Strengthening systems for integrated early childhood development services: a cross-national analysis of governance

While there has been substantial growth in early childhood development (ECD) services in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), there is considerable inequity in their distribution and quality. Evidence‐based governance strategies are necessary, but currently they are insufficient for widespread,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 2014-01, Vol.1308 (1), p.245-255
Main Authors: Britto, Pia Rebello, Yoshikawa, Hirokazu, van Ravens, Jan, Ponguta, Liliana Angelica, Reyes, Maria, Oh, Soojin, Dimaya, Roland, Nieto, Ana María, Seder, Richard
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Child
Child Development
Child, Preschool
coordination
Delivery of Health Care, Integrated - organization & administration
Developing countries
early childhood
Early Intervention (Education) - organization & administration
Early Medical Intervention - organization & administration
governance
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
LDCs
low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
National Health Programs
Strategy
Strengthening
systems strengthening
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Summary:While there has been substantial growth in early childhood development (ECD) services in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), there is considerable inequity in their distribution and quality. Evidence‐based governance strategies are necessary, but currently they are insufficient for widespread, quality implementation. In particular, there is a limited understanding of the use of systems approaches for the analysis of ECD services as they go to scale. The aim of this paper is to present findings from four countries, using a cross‐national case study approach to explore governance mechanisms required to strengthen national systems of ECD services. While different sets of governance strategies and challenges were identified in each country, overarching themes also emerged with implications for systems strengthening. Study results focus on local, mid‐level and central governance, with recommendations for effective coordination and the integration of ECD services in LMICs.
ISSN:0077-8923
1749-6632
DOI:10.1111/nyas.12365