Using evidence to strengthen accountability for health financing in Sierra Leone

Publication date: Available online 14 October 2016 Source:International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics Author(s): Sowo A. Lebbie, Rosanna Le Voir, Joanna Tom-Kargbo, Mohamed Drissa Yilla, Abu Bakarr Kamara, Sara L. Nam In 2012, the government of Sierra Leone cut the national budget allocation to the health sector. Civil society organizations organized a nationwide health budget advocacy campaign, coinciding with the 2012 general elections, to hold future leaders to account on financing for women’s and children’s health. As part of the campaign, Evidence for Action produced district health budget tracking scorecards. The scorecards presented Ministry of Finance data on the allocation and disbursement of health funds in each district. The data were communicated using simple, nontechnical language so that citizens could understand the key messages and take action. A total of 5600 scorecards were shared at district electoral forums attended by political candidates, community members, and health activists. Since the election, the proportion of the total government budget allocated to health increased from 7.4% in 2012 to 11.2% in 2014. However, transforming politicians’ commitments and pledges into implementation has been challenging, confirming that accountability is a long-term endeavor.

Source: International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics - October 14, 2016 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research