IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BAMAKO INITIATIVE - STRATEGIES IN BENIN AND GUINEA

Two West African countries, Benin and Guinea, have been reorganizing t heir peripheral health systems since 1986, with the goal of improving access to primary health care (PHC). A comprehensive approach evolved, based on improving effectiveness, optimizing efficiency, ensuring fin ancial variability and promoting equity. These strategies were launche d as the Bamako Initiative by the World Health Organization's Regional Assembly in 1987. This is the first in a series of five articles on t he Bamako Initiative in Benin and Guinea. The strategies implemented i n these two countries are discussed. Subsequent articles discuss the i mproved health indicators, impact on service costs efficiency, and com munity empowerment through local cost recovery and equity implications . The health center is the basis for a revitalized primary care system . From here, an integrated minimum health care package is readily acce ssible to meet basic community health needs. Through the Bamako Initia tive program, drugs and other essential resources are always available , regular contact between the community health service providers and c ommunities has increased, and the quality of care has improved while a lso becoming more efficient. Community health resources are managed lo cally through joint microplanning and monitoring, involving health per sonnel and village committees. Community ownership, fostered by local budgeting and decision making, is an essential pillar for the success of the system. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.