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.

Use the potential of community health workers. Nurses are especially overloaded with duties that could be done by community caregivers. For example, where nurses are trying to respond to the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, community partners can provide home and hospice care, nutritional and psychosocial support, and assistance in fostering adherence to drug regimens. Community health workers can also provide support for tuberculosis services and integrated nutrition programs.

Seek partnerships with the private sector to expand services. In most rural areas where health services are provided by nurses, laboratory and pharmacy services are lacking except where there are private providers and people have the ability to pay. Formal agreements between the health sector and these private providers can expand access to services for all.

MSH helps to form partnerships between different groups to extend the reach of overburdened health services and build the sustainability of health programs.

Related Country Work

MSH is providing assistance to develop human capacity through large USAID-funded programs in Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, Haiti, and Namibia.

MSH Resources Related to Establishing Partnerships:

Resources are in PDF format. Click here for information about installing Acrobat Reader.

• 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
   

• Actions to Establish Partnerships