1 Aligning the work of the SWGs to support health policy making/reform Experiences from the health sector

2 Example: MNCH Health Partner Mapping

3

4 NSEDP Alignment and Cross-sectoral Linkages Poverty alleviation & economic growth Social welfare & protection Nutrition HIV/AIDS International health security e.g. emerging diseases Environment/Climate change Gender other

5 Health SWG Products Developed Policies & strategies e.g. Mother & Child Health (MNCH) / Nutrition HTM & other diseases / ESR / Health Human Resources Skilled Birth Attendant / Health Information System HF & NHI decree /Medical devices/ HEPR / Water & Sanitation (WASH) / Others Sector Common Work plan & Monitoring Framework Health partner resource mapping Costing estimates Successful GFATM & GAVI HSS proposals in 2009/2010 (Re)-establishment of MOH website Key documents developed cross- sectoral e.g. Key documents developed to strengthen SWGs/TWGs and their activities Revised ToR / Annual work plans Guidelines s.a. supervision Other

6 Achievements of SWC in Health Structural and technical progress since August 2006 e.g. Input to high level Round Table (Implementation) Meetings (i.e. aid effectiveness) Contribution to health chapter of 6 th and 7 th NSEDP Joint preparation of draft 7th Health Sector Development Plan Regular sector-wide information exchange, consultation, planning and monitoring through MoH Steering Committee SWG (P) and (O) levels, TWGs on HPF, HRH & MNCH with multiple Task forces Secretariat (Chair, Co-chairs and invitees) Harmonized with other Country Coordination Mechanism (CCM of GFATM, GAVI and SWC) Rolling out of SWC mechanism to provincial level

7 Good Practice in Health SWC (according to Lao UNDP analysis 2010) 1. Leadership and Partnership - leadership and commitment to guide SWG - Generate dynamic process in which development partners (DPs) want to be part of the success. - Transparency and provide DPs with greater willingness to align their resources behind sector priorities. - More effective collaboration among and between the DPs. - Towards a programme-based approach : 2. Common Understanding on Scope of Work 3. Management of the SWG’s Work

8 Variations in Sector Aid Arrangements: SWC vs. SwAP/Programme-based Approach Sector reform program Project type aid Earmarked funds Pooled funds Budget support Stand alone projects

9 On going support from Nossal institute Engagement of Ministry of Public Health, Lao PDR with the Health Policy and Health Finance Hub Institutional strengthening for universal coverage in the Lao PDR: barriers and policy options Findings will be useful to establish the National Health Insurance Authority in Lao PDR to accelerate the Universal Coverage

10 Conclusions & Recommendations Critical importance of health sector for MDG and NSEDP achievement Good progress in many areas of sector but challenges remaining e.g. – Urgent need for increased & sustained funding for sector – Ongoing need for cross-sectoral exchange and cross- fertilization of SWG and MPI DIC facilitation – Joint support required for issues s.a. pro-poor policies, transparency & accountability, strengthening human resources (PACSA), environmental protection, etc

11 Thank you