Macroeconomics and Health (CMH)

Consultation on Increasing Investments in Health Outcomes for the Poor, October 2003

World Health Organization Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland

Participants fill WHO's Executive Board room during the plenary discussion.

The “Global Consultation on Increasing Investments in Health Outcomes for the Poor” took place from 28-30 October 2003 at the World Health Organization Headquarters in Geneva, with substantive contribution from WHO Regional and Country Offices and support from the Gates Foundation. Participants included Ministers and high-level officials from Finance, Health, and Planning from 40 developing countries. Senior representatives from a number of development agencies, foundations, regional organizations, research institutions, and international banks also participated.

The Consultation enhanced dialogue between country Ministers and development partners, helping countries discuss the strategic choices for improving health, especially for the poor. Three themes were addressed:

how to improve the effectiveness of health delivery systems and monitor outcomes;
how to make health central in the country macroeconomic framework and increase domestic allocation of resources to health;
how to make aid funding more predictable and increase coordination with partners.

The Consultation heard of country commitments to placing health centrally in national poverty reduction and development strategies. Countries provided examples of coordinating mechanisms that can:

oversee progress on planning strategic and long-term investments;
sequence pro-poor health reforms;
make the necessary analyses on strategic choices, financing options and human resources.