Policy analysis of the Global Financing Facility in Uganda

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Health Policy Analysis
• Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH)

Background:

• Uganda joined the Global Financing Facility (GFF) in 2015, a key initiative for RMNCAH.
• Independent studies assessing the GFF's influence on national policy in Uganda are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the policy process and contextual factors influencing Uganda's GFF policy documents.
• To understand the development of the GFF Investment Case and Project Appraisal.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative policy analysis using the health policy triangle framework.
• Document review of national RMNCAH policies.
• Key informant interviews with 16 national stakeholders.

Main Results:

• The GFF policy documents were developed rapidly (late 2015-mid 2016) with a country-led approach.
• Technocrats, government, donors, academics, and political figures steered the process, coordinated by the Ministry of Health.
• Concerns were raised about the exclusion of some civil society organizations despite their participation.

Conclusions:

• Global health initiatives require careful navigation of country-level dynamics and 'elite' influence.
• Ensuring representation from diverse actors, especially underserved groups, is challenging and needs dedicated resources.
• Learnings highlight enablers and challenges in translating global initiatives into national health policies.