Health Systems 20/20, a USAID-funded global health projects, is working to strengthen health systems by using an integrated approach to address the financing, governance, operational, and capacity constraints to the use of life-saving priority health services. By strengthening these dimensions of the health system, the project enables people in developing countries to access and use priority population, health, and nutrition services. This integrated approach focuses on building capacity for long-term sustainability of system strengthening efforts.
Health Systems 20/20 in Yemen is supporting the Yemen Ministry of Health in developing the capacity for the Ministry to utilize geographic information systems to support evidence-based management and evaluation of health investments in Yemen. Enhancing the health information system enables the Ministry to make better, informed decisions in allocating the health budget. Using GIS to map population density, topography, and health resource locations, health officials can identify gaps in coverage and analyze accessibility of health resources to different populations. Making evidence-based decisions is often easier when data can be visually presented to decision-makers and community leaders. As a result, the Ministry of Health is now better able to more efficiently target limited resources to under-served areas, to reduce duplication of services, and maximize cost savings.
Listen to BBC's radio interview with Health Systems 20/20 HIV/AIDS technical team leader Dr. Gilbert Kombe.
