Governance in this context refers to the formal and informal processes of interaction and decision-making that determine the sustainability of the health system and the equity of health services and outcomes.

Institutional Quality and Accountability Mechanisms

Due to widespread poverty and inequality and a lack of resources, sustainable and equitable development will remain elusive unless attention is given to building strong institutions and accountability mechanisms within health systems.

KIT is involved in initiatives to improve the accountability relations within health systems through supply-side measures, for example through results-based financing and incentive based systems, quality improvement programmes, contracting, supervision and training.

Over the past few years, demand-side accountability has gained ground in the health sector. By this we refer to processes or interventions whereby individuals and groups of citizens voice their concerns, demand explanations and accountability, and impose sanctions on poor performance. From KIT’s and from a human rights perspective, both demand-side and supply-side mechanisms of accountability need to be strengthened to enhance performance of health services to ensure sustainable and equitable health systems in the long term.

Approach

KIT provides support by assessing the governance, sustainability and equity dimensions of policy making and service delivery. We do so by combining the expertise of advisers with diverse and complementary backgrounds in health system development, gender and rights, governance and rural development.