Guiding Health Systems Development in the Western Pacific: Summary Report of a Review on the Use and Utility of Six Regional Health System Strategies

Beyond the MDGs and their 2015 deadline, the goal of universal health coverage (UHC) is of growing importance, with its core elements of better health outcomes, greater equity and improved financial protection. It is vital that countries' policy decisions be guided by the best available knowledge. In this context, WHO's role as a knowledge-based technical support agency is becoming more crucial. To support Western Pacific Member States' advance towards UHC, WHO has in recent years produced adaptable regional strategies for health system development.This innovative review of the six current regional health system strategies has assessed their usefulness to countries across the Region. This summary report outlines the main findings of the review as well as its objectives, methods, limitations, and implications for the future.