Three of the eight Millennium Development Goals require substantial improvements in the health sector by 2015, specifically in the reduction of child mortality, improvement of maternal health, and combating of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. Although international concern about health is increasing, health outcomes do not appear to be improving at a steady rate. This book raises critical concerns about the limited capacity of healthcare services in developing countries, sadly it is the most vulnerable that are the least protected. This book focuses on the challenging factors and key elements that are essential for a workable health system, in particular finance, human resources, pharmaceuticals and public facilities. Through empirical analyses and in-depth case studies, this book sheds light on how we can help strengthen, improve and make health systems more accessible in developing countries

An in-depth analysis of the fundamental role that decentralization plays in developing countries, using detailed statistical data to examine the actual fiscal structure between tiers of government, and the effects of decentralization at the local, national and international levels.

An in-depth analysis of the fundamental role that decentralization plays in developing countries, using detailed statistical data to examine the actual fiscal structure between tiers of government, and the effects of decentralization at the local, national and international levels.

Health is increasingly a critical concern in the context of development. This book examines the function of health systems, particularly the key factors: finance, human resources, pharmaceuticals, public facilities and stresses the importance of improving access to health services in developing countries.