MAXIMIZING POSITIVE SYNERGIES - World Health Organization

Despite these problems, GHI funding has helped vastly expand access to life‐saving ARV treatment
for thousands in South Africa. Of the total estimated number of people in need of treatment, 55%
were enrolled in the ART programme by the end of 2007 [25]. In addition, a steady increase in the
amount of health funding from both government and donors for malaria has led to a drastic
reduction in malaria incidence rates in the highest risk areas of South Africa. The cooperative
approach adopted by South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique has reduced overall incidence
rates by more than 85% in the region [20].
Though South Africa has one of the most comprehensive private health sectors in the region, its
public health sector caters for 80% of the population and faces a number of challenges [17]. The
issue of equity in health care hence remains a challenge in South Africa. The inclusion of GHIs and
donors in government strategic planning could increase their ability to provide complementary
projects that strengthen comprehensive health services in poorly resourced areas while avoiding
the potential pitfalls of budget support. Our study concluded that, effectively utilized, donor and
GHI funding can provide a means of improving equity in access to health care for all South
Africans.
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