This programme improves the effectiveness and efficiency of primary health care, particularly in rural areas and among the urban poor. Given the low per capita expenditure on health care in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, it is especially important to make the best use of existing projects and help health personnel function most efficiently.
Emphasis is often on improving health care services for women.
Short courses are run for health providers from both the formal and traditional sectors, health service management personnel, health information managers and managers of other health support systems. In support of government health sector reforms aimed at the District level, the programme will implement projects on decentralisation, health care financing and development of management systems. Projects include a CBHC project in Dagoretti, Nairobi, several gender and health development projects, a health equity study and a primary health care project in Kisumu. This project aims to support the Ministry of Health and the local government in the development of Uganda's rural health services through health training, health planning, health management and renovation of basic health training schools. The training component emphasises continuing education and curriculum development to support Primary Health Care and works with the Training Division of the Ministry of Health and the Health Manpower Development Centre in Mbale.