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Aid Effectiveness in the Health Sector

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  • Arnab Acharya
  • Melisa Martínez-Álvarez

Abstract

This paper explores the current evidence underlying the debate on aid effectiveness, with a specific focus on the health sector. It summarizes the history of aid and outlines the methodological challenges encountered when assessing its effectiveness. The current evidence on 'what works' in the different aid modalities is outlined, highlighting examples of success. The review finds that resource allocation, lack of predictability of funds, fragmentation, fungibility and the system of relationships foreign aid generates all hinder its effectiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Arnab Acharya & Melisa Martínez-Álvarez, 2012. "Aid Effectiveness in the Health Sector," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2012-069, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2012-069
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    File URL: https://www.wider.unu.edu/sites/default/files/wp2012-069.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    Economic assistance and foreign aid; Economic policy; Health; International agencies;
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