Health policy, health systems development and HIV/AIDS
Within the theme "Health sector policy development & performance assessment, and health systems strengthening" is ETC focusing on the promotion of equitable and sustainable health sector development in countries in transition (including post-conflict and fragile states) and in countries qualifying for structural development aid, in Africa as well as Asia.
In the theme "HIV/AIDS" is ETC involved in internal mainstreaming via e.g. workplace policies and in external mainstreaming by supporting organisations in dealing with the impact of HIV/AIDS on their work.
ETC assists governments, NGOs, development agencies and private enterprises to ensure a good connection between policy and practice in public health and in the domain of HIV/AIDS.
Background
Public health is a truly international affair, which is becoming increasingly complex and in which boundaries tend to become fluid.
A wide variety of actors and funding mechanisms are in place, all aiming (at least in theory) at achieving common overall goals (better health, through effective, equitable and efficient interventions), in line with ambitions to reduce poverty and achieve Millennium Development Goals.
International agencies (donors, UN agencies, specialised institutions) assume different roles, depending on their respective strengths and historical backgrounds. A strong tendency has been observed among these agencies to diversify their roles in developing countries, combining project/programme implementation (service delivery) with civil society building, advocacy (aimed at influencing policy) and research.
While national budgets for health remain stagnant in most developing countries, international public and private funding to tackle diseases and apply new technologies has increased enormously over the past few years. There is increased recognition of the need to strengthen national health systems, in order to increase the absorption capacity of what is offered through international development assistance.
Other important developments are the implementation of new technologies (e.g. rapid diagnostic tests) and their application in the South and climate change that will increase the number of people infected by diseases such as malaria and dengue.
The impact of HIV/AIDS goes far beyond the health sector. The scope of the pandemic implies that an adequate response to curb the spread of HIV and to provide appropriate care for those who are already infected requires the active involvement of affected individuals, households and organisations themselves.
ETC: Public health and HIV/AIDS
ETC Crystal is the public health consultancy group that promotes equitable and robust health systems which are responsive to local needs in low and middle-income countries.
ETC Crystal has build substantial experience on Health Management Systems. Crystal’s strength and comparative advantage over academic institutions and other consultancy firms lie in the solid understanding of how national health systems (in low- and middle-income countries) work, the ability to articulate/maximise the contribution of international resources (evidence, technical expertise, funds), and, in this context, the ability to help clients (national governments, NGOs, private sector, donors) in reviewing/evaluating past efforts, strategic planning and creating an appropriate/conducive institutional environment.
ETC Crystal helps institutions and development organisations - not just those engaged in health - to analyse the implications of HIV/AIDS for their own work and for development programming in general ('external mainstreaming'). In addition ETC Crystal offers expertise to review and adapt workplace policies in view of HIV/AIDS ('internal mainstreaming').
ETC Tangram is ETC's public health consultancy group active in the Dutch market.
