Governance, Citizenship, and Accountability: A Study of People-Centered Development in the Ugandan Health Sector
In Uganda, communication gaps between local politicians and their constituents are a contributing factor for improved accountability in health service delivery by monitoring local government health centers. Challenges such as citizen transportation difficulties and politicians' limited knowledge further hinder effective engagement. This project implemented two interventions: Citizen-Politician Meetings to enhance civic engagement by providing a platform for citizens to hold local politicians accountable, and Politician Training to improve politicians' skills in monitoring and enforcing quality standards at health facilities.
By empowering both communities and local politicians, the project aimed to improve health service quality, increase service utilization, and enhance maternal and child health outcomes. Building on a successful pilot trial showing substantial stakeholder participation and feasibility, and with support from the Office of the Prime Minister and Progressive Health Partnership, this initiative aims to foster sustained citizen participation and political engagement, improving healthcare quality and equity, and offering a scalable model for strengthening health systems in low-resource settings.
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- (BMC Public Health) Community perceptions of health accountability meetings with local politicians to improve healthcare quality: a qualitative study in Western Uganda