Health sector reform and reproductive health: report of a technical consultation
Geneva, Switzerland, 30 November-2 December 2004
Health sector reforms in almost every country are implemented as a means of increasing the effectiveness, efficiency, quality, equity and financial soundness of health systems. A great deal is known about the theoretical underpinnings of reform, and there is broad experience with the implementation of health systems. There are large gaps, however, in the empirical evidence base on the impact of many types of health sector reform, in particular concerning the effects of most reforms on sexual and reproductive health services and health outcomes. A high-level Technical Consultation on Health Sector Reform and Reproductive Health took place from 30 November to 2 December 2004 in Geneva, Switzerland, in order to explore contemporary trends in reform and their effects on sexual and reproductive health services. Key topics, salient comments and important gaps in knowledge are summarized in this report.