Whether to Contract

Performance-Based Contracting for Health Services in Developing Countries: A Toolkit This book was written to help bridge the yawning gap between many developing countries nd the Development Goals for health. Right now, that gap looks daunting. But we can narrow the gap significantly by contracting, especially using non-state providers. The status quo, in which millions are denied basic health services, is not acceptable. Contracting is an effective way to improve the daily lives of the most vulnerable. Contracting is the means by which a funder buys specific services from those non-state providers. This practical “how to” guide is aimed at staff of government agencies, insurance companies, social insurance funds, nongovernmental organizations, faith-based organizations, private health care providers, and international development partners. * This summary was written by Michael H.C. McDowell, an international public health communications consultant. Published in 2008 by the World Bank. BY BENJAMIN LOEVINSOHN