Direct funding of health facilities: findings from an evaluation of the Health Sector Services Fund in Kenya
This Health Fund was set up by the Kenyan Government in 2010 to increase resources at peripheral health facilities
Abstract
The Health Sector Services Fund (HSSF) is an innovative scheme that provides funds directly to primary health facilities. It was established in 2010 by the Government of Kenya with the aim of increasing resources at peripheral health facilities to provide adequate services, and encouraging community involvement in the identification of health priorities and appropriate solutions.
This brief presents the key findings from a mixed-methodology interim evaluation of HSSF and its implementation until May 2013. It identifies impressive achievements in terms of ensuring that funds reach facilities, are spent appropriately, and are overseen and used in a way that strengthens community involvement. The evaluation also highlights obstacles to effective implementation and important issues for consideration in future HSSF planning in light of the devolved health system, and in other financing mechanisms for peripheral facilities in Kenya and beyond.
This research is supported by the Department for International Development’s RESYST (Resilient and Responsive Health Systems) programme which is led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Citation
Waweru, E.; Molyneux, S.; Goodman, C.; Tsofa, B. Direct funding of health facilities: findings from an evaluation of the Health Sector Services Fund in Kenya. (2014) 4 pp.
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