The central position of women in household management and health must be emphasized. Second, BHA shows that much of the improvements in health can be achieved by reforming health care systems to use available human and financial resources more productively. Inequities prevail to the extent that poor households in many countries have no access to quality care at times of serious illness or injury. Third, cost-effective packages of basic health services can go a long way to respond to the needs of households and reduce the burden of disease in Africa. The key to improving the use of resources is to reallocate funds to the most cost effective services.
Cost sharing can contribute to health equity and the sustainability of health services.
Furthermore, it can stimulate the provision of quality services in rural and urban areas. User fees and health insurance are a reality in many countries and merit increasing roles as evident in the willingness and ability of African households to pay for quality services. Larger commitments of domestic resources from government, NGOs and households can lead to more financial support from donors. Transition to better health will vary from country to country and no one formula would apply to all. However, it is important that no country should delay committing itself.