Stakeholder perceptions of aid coordination implementation in the Zambian health sector

In this study, we analysed stakeholder perceptions of the process of implementing the coordination of health-sector aid in Zambia, Africa. The aim of coordination of health aid is to increase the effectiveness of health systems and to ensure that donors comply with national priorities. With increases in the number of donors involved and resources available for health aid globally, the attention devoted to coordination worldwide has risen. While the theoretical basis of coordination has been relatively well-explored, less research has been carried out on the practicalities of how such coordination is to be implemented. In our study, we focused on potential differences between the views of the stakeholders, both government and donors, on the systems by which health aid is coordinated. A qualitative case study was conducted comprising interviews with government and donor stakeholders in the health sector, as well as document review and observations of meetings. Results suggested that stakeholders are generally satisfied with the implementation of health-sector aid coordination in Zambia. However, there were differences in perceptions of the level of coordination of plans and agreements, which can be attributed to difficulties in harmonizing and aligning organizational requirements with the Zambian health-sector plans. In order to achieve the aims of the Paris Declaration; to increase harmonization, alignment and ownership - resources from donors must be better coordinated in the health sector planning process. This requires careful consideration of contextual constraints surrounding each donor.