Developing the sensitivities of policy makers and practitioners to urban health contexts and complexities
Abstract
Background Bangladesh, like many low and middle income countries, is rapidly urbanizing. Conceived for a rural context, its governance and service delivery approach for health and related sectors struggles to respond to the... [ view full abstract ]
Background
Bangladesh, like many low and middle income countries, is rapidly urbanizing. Conceived for a rural context, its governance and service delivery approach for health and related sectors struggles to respond to the complexities of the urban space. These complexities include concentrated risks that require multisectoral solutions, and a pace of change that renders many solutions obsolete before they are implemented. A new kind of thinking is required among those involved in urban health and development that embraces complexity and systems thinking.
Objectives
Given this scenario, an applied short course on Urban Governance and Health was designed to sensitize mid and senior level decision-makers about alarming trends impacting the health of urban communities, their implications for national and human development, the urgency of multi-sectoral action to address complex root causes, and the need for functional systems of governance to make this happen.
Methods
The week long course explored the social, political, environmental and economic determinants of urban health, and the manner in which they concentrate and interact to produce inequities that compromise urban development. Field exercise sensitized participants to the lived realities of the urban poor and the multiple risks they confront. Small group activities and case studies challenged participants to appraise challenges related to governance and multisectoral action, and possible solutions. The role of advocacy in influencing policy was also emphasized, with local urban experts sharing their experiences, and participants reflecting on potential actions to strengthen urban health and development in and beyond their own institutions.
Results
Offered 2013 and 2014, 56 participants from 15 different institutions in Bangladesh, inclusive of Government, bilateral and international organizations, international and national NGO’s were trained.
Conclusion
Informal evaluation revealed the value of the course in generating awareness of urban realities, micro and macro, and facilitating reflection and networking conducive to multi-stakeholder engagement.
Authors
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Alayne Adams
((BRAC) James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University)
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Shoshannah Williams
((BRAC) James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University)
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Sabina Rashid
((BRAC) James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University)
Topic Area
VIII. Academic and professional education and training for urban health 8.1 Prerequisite a
Session
EFA-O-08 » Evidence for Action in Policy and Programs (08:00 - Monday, 4th April, TBA)
Paper
ICUH_urban_health_ed_abstract_final.docx
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