By: Financing Alliance for Health (FAH)
Financing Alliance for Health (FAH) and Ministry of Health and Social Action (MSAS) made significant strides in strengthening community health system and health financing in Senegal through provision of quality technical assistance and effective policy dialogue. These activities directly supported national priorities and laid the groundwork for stronger and more equitable community health and financing systems.
Managing Results Through Program Strategies Review
FAH provided technical support to the validation of the end term review the Community Health Strategy 2019–2024. This important step not only highlighted the significant progress made in the community health service delivery system but also underscored lessons learnt from the implementation of the program interventions. The findings will inform and shape the design of the upcoming 2024–2029 Community health strategy, ensuring that future policies are grounded in evidence and tailored to address critical challenges in the community health program.
Promoting Accountability through the period program Review
FAH supported the national biannual review of community health interventions, which convened stakeholders from all regions and districts across Senegal. The workshop served as a platform for assessing progress, identifying barriers, and sharing lessons learned. Most importantly, it enabled the Ministry of Health to gather field-level insights that are directly feeding into the development of the next community health strategy. This inclusive approach ensures that future interventions reflect on-the-ground realities, improve implementation, and foster greater accountability throughout the health system.
Strengthening Country Engagement and Alignment
In February, FAH conducted a high-level courtesy visit with the Minister of Health of Senegal to reaffirm our commitment to align and support Senegal’s health priorities. This engagement provided an opportunity to align on strategic directions and reinforce mutual collaboration. By maintaining close collaboration with national leadership, FAH helps ensure that technical support remains responsive to policy shifts and contributes meaningfully to long-term health sector goals. Building Capacity through Health System Financing Acceleration Fellowship Program (HSFA)
Capacity building remains a key pillar of our work this quarter. Through the Health System Financing Acceleration Fellowship Program (HSFA), two Senegalese fellows joined FAH in April to deepen their expertise in health financing and community health systems. Their journey included participating in technical workstreams and a cross-country learning exchange in Nyeri County, Kenya, where they explored successful models of primary health care delivery. These investments are helping cultivate a new generation of reformers and thought leaders in Senegal’s health system.
Promoting Gender integration in community health system through evidence and advocacy
In partnership with the Ministry of Health’s Gender Unit, FAH supported the development of the Gender Institutionalisation Plan to ensure proper alignment with national and international frameworks with concrete measures that have a positive impact on gender stereotypes and GBV.
In addition, FAH in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Social Action (MSAS) conducted a study to understand how gender roles influence the work experience of community health workers (CHWs), with a particular focus on equity and effectiveness. The findings were validated in a stakeholders workshop led by the Ministry of Health. The study’s insights are expected to inform policies that promote fairer working conditions and greater support for CHWs—especially women—whose contributions are vital to Senegal’s primary health care system.
Together, these achievements reflect FAH’s commitment to supporting a resilient, inclusive, and data-driven community health system in Senegal—one that is responsive to community needs, informed by evidence, and powered by local leadership.
This article was originally Published on Financing Alliance for Health (FAH)
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