1	Challenges to Christian Health Systems Small Group Session May 30, 2005 Samuel Mwenda & Maono Ngwira
2	Review of determinants of health systems at different levels International policy & strategies WHO World Bank UN International FBO’s Regional level Regional agencies Trading blocks Country level MOH Health sector policies
3	Key stakeholders in health systems at country level Government WHO & UN agencies Donor partners Technical partners Health sector NGO’s & FBO’s Private sector Professional bodies Research & training institutions The people
4	Christian Health Associations Involvement in national policy dialogue Role in policy interpretation & dissemination Networking with other countries for experience sharing Advocacy with government to positively influence policy Do they have a culture of environmental scanning & response by policy review? Capacity of generating evidence to inform/influence policy change Do they challenge/influence/support members in their policies review
5	Institutional policy Do we have a legal framework that guides our mission, work & decision making? Do we have documented policies & procedures? Do we implement our policies & procedures? Or are we operating on “trust”? How quick & effective are we in reviewing our own policies? What is our capacity in understanding and responding to policy issues?
6	Advocacy on policy issues What is our style in advocacy? Are we pro-active or reactive Are we consistent & persistent? Is our advocacy issue based or are we influenced by the politics of the day? Can we be relied upon as the credible & reliable voice of reason that is motivated by a mission of promoting justice, equity & access for the needy? Are we forming alliances or are we competing amongst ourselves for attention & resources
7	Major challenges to Christian Health Systems. The desire to promote equity & access in situation of limited resources. We defeat our own mission ( we are unable to live up to what we preach) Collaboration & support from government. What is the dividing line between collaboration & government take-over/control? – this has real danger of losing our Christian systems & values Donor funding conditions & control – in our desperate search for donor funding we are subjected to conditions that negate our systems & principles Competition – amongst ourselves and between National FBO’s & International FBO’s
8	Where shall we begin? Our mission Our values The motivation for our work The foundation of our calling – Jesus Christ Recognizing the potential in us & the communities we serve Taking stock of the resources at our disposal & the commitments we have entered into Investing in developing skills for efficient management/stewardship
9	Group discussion Identify key Challenges to Christian Health Systems. Propose strategies that could be engaged to address the challenges.