Using evidence to strengthen accountability for health financing in Sierra Leone.
In 2012, the government of Sierra Leone cut the national budget allocation to the health sector. Civil society organizations planned a nationwide health budget advocacy campaign, coinciding with the 2012 general elections, to hold future leaders to account on financing for women's and children's health. As part of the campaign, Evidence for Action produced district health budget tracking scorecards. The scorecards presented Ministry of Finance data on the allocation and disbursement of health funds in each district. The data were communicated using simple, non-technical language so that citizens could understand the key messages and take action. A total of 5600 scorecards were shared at district electoral forums attended by political candidates, community members, and health activists. Since the election, the proportion of the total government budget allocated to health increased from 7.4% in 2012 to 11.2% in 2014. However, transforming politicians' commitments and pledges into implementation has been challenging, confirming that accountability is a long-term process.
Evidence for Action, Options Consultancy Services Ltd, Freetown, Sierra Leone. Electronic address: slebbie@options-sl.org.
Sowo A
SA
Lebbie
Evidence for Action, Options Consultancy Services Ltd, London, UK.
Rosanna
R
Le Voir
Save the Children, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Joanna
J
Tom-Kargbo
Evidence for Action, Options Consultancy Services Ltd, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Mohamed Drissa
MD
Yilla
Budget Advocacy Network, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Abu Bakarr
AB
Kamara
Evidence for Action, Options Consultancy Services Ltd, London, UK.
Sara L
SL
Nam
D005260:Female; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000639:trends*; D061889:Healthcare Financing; D006801:Humans; D000068104:Infant Health / Q000191:economics*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D009938:Organizations; D011057:Politics; D011247:Pregnancy; D012807:Sierra Leone; D012941:Social Responsibility
Accountability; Budget Advocacy; Evidence for Action (E4A); Health financing; Maternal, newborn and child health; Political will; Scorecards; Sierra Leone