Development as Systems: Systems Frameworks, Sub-Saharan African Development, and Health Systems

Year 2016, Volume: 2 Issue: 2, 67 - 92, 01.06.2016

Catherine Long

Abstract

This article provides an introduction to and review of systems frameworks relevant to Sub-Saharan African (SSA) development. These systems frameworks – presented here in the sub-categories of analytical, policy, and programmatic frameworks – are important to development given their conceptualization of systems and emphasis on the complex interactions of the networks and network members that compose those systems. Because systems are context-specific, this article offers the example of health systems and health systems strengthening as the SSA development issue receiving the most systems-oriented attention. Of importance to SSA health systems and systems strengthening is the impact of the HIV/AIDS, SARS, and Ebola crises on the development of the global health system as well as the broad application of systems frameworks in SSA health-based development interventions

Keywords

Systems Frameworks, Health Systems Strengthening, Development, Sub-Saharan Africa, Networks, Ebola

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