Even if human resources are scarce, it is possible to expand health services by establishing partnerships among sectors; geographic areas; and nongovernmental, community-based, and religious organizations. Developing the capacity of the health sector and community to engage in partnerships is critical to delivering all health services and particularly to scaling up HIV/AIDS services.

Actions you can take:

• Create structures such as hospital boards and community health committees
• Facilitate joint planning
• Train staff in fundraising, governance and project management
• Build the capacity and advocacy role of traditional leaders and healers
• Train district health management teams
• Increase participation of youth, women, related social development groups

Readings

Issues of The Manager

• Tackling the Crisis in Human Capacity Development for Health Services
  » Case Study: Tikumbo District Plans Human Capacity for Scaling Up Antiretroviral Therapy
• Forming Partnerships to Improve Public Health
  » Case Study: The Apumanchac District Health Partnership assesses its progress

Tools

• Actions to Establish Partnerships