Health System Readiness to Meet Demand for Obstetric Care in Eritrea: Implications for Results-Based Financing (RBF)

In this paper, we investigate one issue of common concern to both demand- and supply-side results-based financing programs: the readiness of the health system to respond to an anticipated increase in demand for care. We present the findings from an assessment that we carried out in Eritrea, where the possibility of introducing an RBF program to increase the use and improve the quality of obstetric services is being explored. 

 

Following a brief overview of evolving approaches to maternal mortality reduction in Africa, we describe the simple diagnostic approach that we used to examine the quality of the Eritrean health system and its readiness to meet a potential increase in demand for services. The paper describes how this approach was applied and with what results. We discuss and conclude with a set of challenges for future RBF programs that aim to improve maternal health services.