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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Evidence for integrating eye health into primary health care in Africa: a health systems strengthening approach

Authors: Rènée du Toit, Hannah B Faal, Daniel Etya’ale, Boateng Wiafe, Ingrid Mason, Ronnie Graham, Simon Bush, Wanjiku Mathenge, Paul Courtright

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

The impact of unmet eye care needs in sub-Saharan Africa is compounded by barriers to accessing eye care, limited engagement with communities, a shortage of appropriately skilled health personnel, and inadequate support from health systems. The renewed focus on primary health care has led to support for greater integration of eye health into national health systems. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate available evidence of integration of eye health into primary health care in sub-Saharan Africa from a health systems strengthening perspective.

Methods

A scoping review method was used to gather and assess information from published literature, reviews, WHO policy documents and examples of eye and health care interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings were compiled using a health systems strengthening framework.

Results

Limited information is available about eye health from a health systems strengthening approach. Particular components of the health systems framework lacking evidence are service delivery, equipment and supplies, financing, leadership and governance. There is some information to support interventions to strengthen human resources at all levels, partnerships and community participation; but little evidence showing their successful application to improve quality of care and access to comprehensive eye health services at the primary health level, and referral to other levels for specialist eye care.

Conclusion

Evidence of integration of eye health into primary health care is currently weak, particularly when applying a health systems framework. A realignment of eye health in the primary health care agenda will require context specific planning and a holistic approach, with careful attention to each of the health system components and to the public health system as a whole. Documentation and evaluation of existing projects are required, as are pilot projects of systematic approaches to interventions and application of best practices. Multi-national research may provide guidance about how to scale up eye health interventions that are integrated into primary health systems.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Evidence for integrating eye health into primary health care in Africa: a health systems strengthening approach
Authors
Rènée du Toit
Hannah B Faal
Daniel Etya’ale
Boateng Wiafe
Ingrid Mason
Ronnie Graham
Simon Bush
Wanjiku Mathenge
Paul Courtright
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-13-102

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