Health Systems Building Blocks

Study Notes

Building blocks are fundamental components of health systems, similar to bricks in a building.
They are essential for creating a strong and effective healthcare system, enabling it to achieve its goals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies six key building blocks: service delivery, health workforce, health information, medical products, vaccines, and technologies, financing, and leadership and governance.

Inputs are resources and factors that contribute to building blocks.
These include factors like human resources, finances, infrastructure, transport, medicines, vaccines, and medical products.

Promote a common understanding: To ensure everyone involved in healthcare shares a clear understanding of how health systems function.
Address new challenges and set priorities: To respond effectively to emerging health issues and manage priorities within limited resources.
Address questions of health system financiers: To help those who fund healthcare understand the impact of their investments and make informed decisions.
Strengthen WHO's role: To solidify the organization's role in supporting health system development in a changing world.
Develop strategies and interventions: To create practical plans and actions that can enhance health systems' performance.

Leadership and Governance:
- Drives resource allocation through taxation, voting, and purchasing decisions.
- Sets social values, guiding the pooling of resources.
- Enforces accountability and transparency in healthcare operations.
Health Information:
- Uses information to oversee the health system's performance and understand the needs of the population.
- Generates and shares information effectively to improve decision making.
Health Workforce:
- Identifies, provides, and supports healthcare workers.
- Works with facility-based health workers to ensure effective service delivery.
- Provides feedback regarding performance (recruitment, supervision, compensation).
Medical Products, Vaccines, and Technology:
- Purchases and uses medicines appropriately and effectively.
- Promotes vaccination coverage and ensures its effectiveness.
- Enforces accountability and transparency in procurement and use of medical products.
Service Delivery:
- Sets standards for essential services packages, ensuring quality healthcare.
- Promotes access and use of services by the population.
- Provides prevention and promotion services locally to address health needs proactively.

Leadership and Governance: Ensures systems are in place for good performance and sustainability.
Financing: Funds all aspects of the health system, including building blocks and input resources.
Health Information: Provides data and analysis to drive improvements within the health system.
Health Workforce: Provides skilled and motivated healthcare professionals.
Medical Products, Vaccines, and Technology: Supplies essential medical equipment and supplies.
Service Delivery: Offers accessible and effective healthcare services to the population.