Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) in Eastern Burma helps to set up and develop the ethnic health systems in several states of Eastern Burma. This includes improving and reinforcing infrastructure and logistics for HR, medication, etc.

Throughout 2015, together with seven partner organisations (the Mon National Health Committee (MNHC), Civil Health Development Network (Karenni) (CHDN), Pa-Oh Health Working Committee (PHWC), Karen Department of Health and Welfare (KDHW) , Shan State Development Foundation (SSDF) Burma Medical Association (BMA) and Back Pack Health Worker Team (BPHWT)), Mae Tao Clinic (MTC)/ Burma-Based Health Service (BBHS) conducted a series of workshops and meetings to form a Steering Committee and constitution for the HSS project to be formally started. The HSS Steering Committee has developed major project policies including human resources, finance and procurement.

  • The aim of the area-based health service delivery is to strengthen the health system based on area not on organisation for a more efficient comprehensive transparent system of health service delivery. This will lead to improved leadership and governance.
  • In 2016 MTC/BBHS took responsibility for upgrading the pharmacy management system in the HSS area.
  • MTC and our partners under the Health Information System Working Group (HISWG) have undertaken an assessment of the workforce in Eastern Burma. While WHO recommends a workforce ratio of 2.3 using doctors, nurses and midwives, Eastern Burma uses task shifting as we do not have doctors and nurses but rely on well trained medics, community health workers, Maternal and Child Health Workers and EmoC trained health workers.

SDGs Targets Supported by Mae Tao Clinic

  • Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all