Actions on quality of health services


Authorities at the national, district and facility levels of the health system are encouraged to adopt a range of approaches that are most appropriate for their context, based on evidence and implementation experience, and to be open to adapting approaches based on what they learn. While the pathway to quality varies, for each country, district and facility, selected key actions are often required to improve the quality of health services for the entire population (you can learn more at the WHO Quality health services: a planning guide about each section):


  • Establish national commitment to improve quality

  • Develop national strategic direction on quality

  • Select and prioritize a set of quality interventions

  • Develop a pragmatic quality measurement framework

  • Develop operational and resourcing plan with key stakeholders

  • Align district commitment to national quality goals and priorities

  • Develop district quality structures and operational plan, and where they already exist, update district quality operational plans based on learning from health facilities and emerging national strategic direction on quality

  • Orient health facilities to district- and national-level quality goals and priorities

  • Respond to facility needs in reaching selected aims and ensure functioning support systems for quality health services

  • Maintain engagement with the national level on quality health services

  • Adapt quality interventions to district-level context


  • Commit to district aims and identify clear facility improvement aim(s)

  • Establish, organize, and support multidisciplinary QI teams – prepare for action

  • Conduct situational analysis/baseline assessment to identify gaps

  • Adopt standards of care

  • Identify QI activities – develop action plan

  • Implement QI action plan

  • Undertake continuous measurement of outcomes

  • Focus on continuous improvement - sustain improvements and refine action plans