Challenges and opportunities in engaging health development partners in district health planning in Uganda: an exploratory qualitative study.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities in engaging health development partners in planning healthcare services at a sub-national level in Uganda. An exploratory qualitative study involving selected health development partner organisations and district local governments. A study was conducted in Northern Uganda, specifically in 12 districts that comprise the Lango and Acholi sub-regions. The study area has many health development partners compared with the other regions in the country. A total of 18 participants were enrolled in the study. To be considered for inclusion, a participant had to be working for a district local government in Northern Uganda and involved in planning health services or working for a development partner supporting health services in the region. Most of the participants were men aged between 41 and 50 years. Factors that affect the involvement of health development partners in planning health services at sub-national levels and opportunities that can facilitate involvement. The findings show that health development partners serve as a source of information and data, guide the planning and supervision of services, conduct community mobilisation and support infrastructure development. However, differing planning cycles, corruption, power dynamics and budget constraints affect their participation in district health planning. Continuous engagement, even outside budget periods, with respect to the terms agreed upon in the memoranda of understanding (MOU), equitable treatment of all partners and transparency from all parties emerged as opportunities to improve involvement. The involvement and importance of health development partners in planning district-level health services cannot be overstated. Therefore, addressing the challenges that hinder joint planning through a focus on open communication, mutual respect and adherence to the terms of the MOU can improve working relationships.