Promoting Results and Outcomes Through Policy and Economic Levers (PROPEL Health)

USAID’s project PROPEL Health is a global initiative that aims to improve the enabling environment for the provision of health services, supplies, and equitable service delivery.

This involves (1) policy development and implementation, (2) sustainable financing of health services, (3) improvement of government management, transparency, and accountability, and (4) advocacy for evidence-based approaches at the global, national, and subnational levels. Key areas of focus include family planning/reproductive health (FP/RH), primary health care, and the integration of FP/RH with HIV and maternal and child health. The project strategy emphasizes localized policy development, advocacy, financing, leadership in governance, technical support, and capacity-building to strengthen resilience and sustainability.

In Guatemala, the project is implemented by the Palladium Group, and aims to strengthen the Guatemalan health system to address health disparities and improve well-being by optimizing financial and human resources, improving equitable access, and promoting quality in primary health care (PHC).

GEOGRAPHICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC APPROACH

PROPEL Health Guatemala coordinates with key partners from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) and government institutions at the national level, and at the local level with the Departmental Directorates of Integrated Health Services Networks (DDRISS) of 15 municipalities of  Huehuetenango, Ixil and Quiché. At the central level, the approach is to optimize the use of financial resources in the public sector, promote equitable access to health services, and improve the quality of health care. At the municipal level, the project contributes to the improvement of planning, expenditure, and optimization of resources, and reinforcing internal management systems.

CONTEXT AND CHALLENGES

In Guatemala, the limited coverage and quality of public health services contribute to disparities in  economic and social opportunities and negatively impacts the well-being of individuals, families and communities, contributing to irregular migration. 

APPROACH AND RESULTS

PROPEL Health Guatemala aims to (i) prioritize the revitalization of the primary health care system, including reproductive health, family planning and nutrition services; and improving leadership and governance across the health system at central and local levels; (ii) support accountability, government oversight, and citizen participation in accountability and advocacy; and (iii) provide technical assistance to the Government of Guatemala in decentralizing and strengthening the Guatemalan health system. 
PROPEL Health interventions are carried out in close collaboration with USAID implementing partners and other donors to contribute to other activities in the health portfolio and support the government of Guatemala. By the end of 2027, with the support of PROPEL Health, the Guatemalan public health system will have established the necessary tools and processes to measure, prioritize and close current gaps in equity, quality and optimization of resources. PROPEL Health will follow the following interconnected principles: 

• Empower and include women and vulnerable groups in the health equity agenda 
• Strengthen intersectoral collaboration, planning and accountability 
• Promote the use of existing information systems and integration between systems
• Strengthen local capacity and elevate local voices to participate in the development and  implementation of public health policies
• Promote coordination, harmonization and integration between levels of health service delivery