Understanding the process of strengthening multi‐sectoral efforts for anemia reduction: Qualitative findings from Sierra Leone and Uganda

Danya Sarkar, Hillary Murphy, Teemar Fisseha, Aminata S. Koroma, Mary H. Hodges, Nancy Adero, Sarah Ngalombi, Jane Nabakooza, Jolene Wun and Sorrel M.L. Namaste

International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 2018, vol. 33, issue 4, 1024-1044

Abstract: Anemia is a significant global health problem, and progress to reduce it has been slow. A multi‐sectoral, context‐specific, and country‐led approach is recommended to effectively address anemia, but there is limited documentation of how this has worked in practice. We present key findings and lessons learned from Sierra Leone and Uganda's experiences establishing national‐level anemia coordination platforms. A longitudinal collective case study methodology was used, with in‐depth interviews of National Anemia Working Group members in both countries; data was analyzed to distill the salient lessons learned across countries. Similar factors were identified in the 2 countries. Setting the agenda was an important first step, accomplished by using country‐specific anemia‐related data and obtaining multi‐sectoral commitment. Establishment of a cohesive coordination structure provided an effective platform to prioritize and align anemia activities. Strong, committed leadership and representation of diverse stakeholders was essential to maintain the legitimacy of anemia efforts. The main barriers to the policy‐making process included misalignment of sectoral mandates, differences in work cultures, as well as competing priorities and increased staff workload. Sierra Leone and Uganda's experiences contribute to the global evidence base for anemia coordination and planning at the national level, particularly around linking health and non‐health sectors and developing multi‐sectoral platforms. It remains to be seen how and to what extent resulting policies in Sierra Leone and Uganda will translate to implementation.

Date: 2018
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://doi.org/10.1002/hpm.2557

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bla:ijhplm:v:33:y:2018:i:4:p:1024-1044

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.blackwell ... bs.asp?ref=0749-6753

Access Statistics for this article

International Journal of Health Planning and Management is currently edited by Calum Paton

More articles in International Journal of Health Planning and Management from Wiley Blackwell
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Wiley Content Delivery ().