WHO core functions in practice at country level

The report "A corporate strategy for the WHO Secretariat" states that "Carefully defining WHO's core functions provides a second lens for reviewing the work of the Secretariat. Although the core functions are helpful in thinking about comparative advantage in general terms, they are more useful for appraising whether WHO has achieved the right balance of functions in relation to specific areas of work. They also help to define more explicitly the respective roles of headquarters and regional and country offices."

In this regard, the Mozambique WHO Country Office Representative (WR), Dr. El Hadi Benzerroug delves about the Mozambique Country Office (WCO) actions developed in compliance with the six core functions:

1. Policy and advocacy

In the face of the chronic human resources for health crisis in Mozambique, the WCO initiated an advocacy role to highlight the urgent need to thwart this crisis. In view of articulating consistent ethical and evidence based policy and advocacy positions, the WCO produced a position paper and initiated a dialog with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and partners. As a result, a task force including the MoH and partners was created, terms of reference for an external consultancy were developed, and a team of consultants was recruited for the development of an HR development plan. This plan is expected to be finalised by May 2008.

In a similar direction, the WCO has supported an external evaluation of the Tuberculosis (TB) program that was followed by the declaration by H. E. Minister of Health of the TB as a National emergency on 24 March 2006 and the elaboration of a five-year plan.

2. Managing information and stimulating research and development

Supporting the external evaluation of the Expanded Program of Immunizations (EPI) performance and Integrated Diseases Surveillance as well as the production of the report on the analysis of Maternal Child Health within equity and social determinants for health framework, were examples provided by the WR on how the Country Office has supported managing information, assessing trends and comparing performance of health systems.

Concerning setting the agenda for, and stimulating research and development in Mozambique, the country is piloting the first centre for HIV drug resistance, as part of the EVIPnet project, and is active on the Malaria Vaccine Initiative. It has also conducted a study Innovative financing methods for accelerated access to HIV/AIDS care, treatment and prevention in Mozambique.

3. Technical and policy support

The Mozambique Country Representative considers that catalyzing change through technical and policy support, in ways that stimulate action and help to build sustainable national capacity in the health sector, was materialised by the WCO in the provision of information about technical support for a comprehensive pharmaceutical sector review, that was followed by a Road Map for the sector.

4. Partnerships

Concerning partnerships, the WCO assumes the role of focal point representing multilateral agencies and donors in the context of the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp). In this capacity, WHO supported the development of Joint Technical Working Groups.

WCO technical support has been instrumental for the development of comprehensive National Plans that have been endorsed by various partners – asserts Dr. Benzerroug. This has been particularly the case of Malaria Strategic Plan jointly supported by the US Presidential Malaria Initiative, Global Fund, The World Bank and UN Agencies.

Also, in the context of "Delivering as One" initiative of UN agencies, the WCO is collaborating in the development of joint programs on HIV/AIDS, Millennium Villages and Mother and Child Health.

5. Norms and standards

The WCO role at country level is vital on the setting, validating, monitoring and pursuing the proper implementation of norms and standards, through continuing capacity building process and promoting the adoption and implementation of international agreements such as International Health Regulation, Tobacco Control, etc.

6. Technologies, tools and guidelines

The WR states that in relation to stimulating the development and testing of new technologies, tools and guidelines for disease control, risk reduction, health care management and service delivery, the WCO is working with other partners on district delivery models in order to reach rural communities. This is so, although the priorities of the WCO are to support health system critical issues and priorities programmes.

Related links

 Country Cooperation Strategy: Mozambique 2009-2013 (629.4 kB)

Government of Mozambique

Mozambique Ministry of Health

Programme Aid Partnership (PAP)

A corporate strategy for the WHO Secretariat [pdf 28kb]

Human Resources for Health: A Key Priority for the Ministry of Health

Strategic plan for malaria control in Mozambique

International Health Regulations

Framework Convention on Tobacco Control