Health Systems Building Blocks

Building Blocks of Health Systems

• 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 to Health Systems

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

WHO's Objectives for Building Blocks

• 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.

Building Block Inputs

• 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.

Outputs of Building Blocks

• 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.