Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) in Healthcare—A Mixed-Methods Assessment of Health SWAps in Nepal and Bangladesh
2024

Assessment of Health Sector-Wide Approaches in Nepal and Bangladesh

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Steffen Flessa

Primary Institution: Department of Business Administration and Health Care Management, University of Greifswald, Germany

Hypothesis

What are the strengths and weaknesses of health sector-wide approaches (SWAps) in Nepal and Bangladesh?

Conclusion

SWAps have been effective in improving healthcare coordination and outcomes in Nepal and Bangladesh, but their future sustainability is uncertain as government capacities grow.

Supporting Evidence

  • SWAps improved coordination and alignment between external development partners and governments.
  • Health outcomes, such as maternal and child mortality rates, showed significant improvement during the SWAp period.
  • Government budgets for healthcare have increased, reducing reliance on external funding.

Takeaway

This study looks at how two countries worked together to improve healthcare using a special method called SWAp, which helped them coordinate better and achieve good results, but now they might not need it as much.

Methodology

The study used a mixed-methods approach, including document analysis and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in both countries.

Potential Biases

Interviews were conducted with selected stakeholders, which may introduce bias in the perspectives gathered.

Limitations

The study's findings may not be representative of other countries, and the reliability of official statistics in low- and middle-income countries can be questionable.

Participant Demographics

The study involved key informants from government ministries, healthcare facilities, and external development partners in Nepal and Bangladesh.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/ijerph21121682

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