Engagement
Engagement occurs at all levels and in various processes focused on improving the quality of health services. This may include engaging different departments within the ministry of health, and also the possibility of engaging other ministries and private sector stakeholders at the national level. At the sub-national/district level this may include engaging various departments or agencies within respective structures, while at the facility level this may require engaging with various departments in that facility. Engagement across health system levels is also important, as well as external engagement among other partners, facility leads and private sector stakeholders. Special attention should be given to engaging with communities. These relationships work together through a process that is founded in empowerment, health promotion, health equity, gender equality, human rights and in the widest possible sense, planetary health. The process of working together is navigated in various ways, and at all levels of the system, with a focus on human interaction. These include having:
- compatible values, vision and purpose;
- interactions that are based on compassion, respect and dignity;
- widespread, active and inclusive participation;
- equitable, joined-up decision-making; and
- an equitable and dynamic flow of power, control and resources.
Engagement is thus seen as a set of competencies and skills to support the emergence of collaborative action and strong partnerships. WHO continues to work in this area and anticipates having further tools and resources available as additional evidence continues to emerge. This function allows for effective collaboration among multiple stakeholders to realize a shared vision.