Title: District health care between quality assurance and crisis management. Possibilities within the limits, Mporokoso and Kaputa district, Zambia.

POPLINE Document Number: 141080

Author(s):

van Bergen JE

Source citation:

TROPICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL MEDICINE, 1995;47(1):23-9.

Abstract:

A tension exists between the aim of health policy-makers to achieve high quality standards of care on the one hand and the district multi-crisis reality in sub-Saharan Africa on the other. Disintegrating health services together with deteriorating living conditions adversely affect the population's health status and contribute to an increase in health inequalities both nationally and internationally. Constraints and some examples of achievements in district health management in Mporokoso and Kaputa districts in Northern Province, Zambia, are presented. A strong focus should be given to community-based health care, partnership with communities, and accelerated health system support through the strengthening of on-site supervision. Decentralization and self-reliance can help in flexible crisis management, but demand continuity in human resource development and appropriate care for carers. To increase operational efficiency, there is a need to conceptualize a practical approach of minimum primary health care.

Keywords:

Zambia
Delivery of Health Care
Quality of Health Care
Health Services Administration
Administrative Districts
Community Health Services
Obstacles
Africa, Southern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Developing Countries
Health
Health Services Evaluation
Program Evaluation
Programs
Organization and Administration
Management
Geographic Factors
Population
Primary Health Care
Health Services