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. 2008 Apr;98(4):644-9.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2007.123117. Epub 2008 Feb 28.

Collapsing the vertical-horizontal divide: an ethnographic study of evidence-based policymaking in maternal health

Dominique P Béhague  1 , Katerini T Storeng
Affiliations

Collapsing the vertical-horizontal divide: an ethnographic study of evidence-based policymaking in maternal health

Dominique P Béhague et al. Am J Public Health. 2008 Apr.

Abstract

Using the international maternal health field as a case study, we draw on ethnographic research to investigate how public health researchers and policy experts are responding to tensions between vertical and horizontal approaches to health improvement. Despite nominal support for an integrative health system approach, we found that competition for funds and international recognition pushes professionals toward vertical initiatives. We also highlight how research practices contribute to the dominance of vertical strategies and limit the success of evidence-based policymaking for strengthening health systems. Rather than support disease-and subfield-specific advocacy, the public health community urgently needs to engage in open dialogue regarding the international, academic, and donor-driven forces that drive professionals toward an exclusive interest in vertical programs.

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Comment in

  • Policymaking to improve maternal health.
    Yeh J, Brandes N. Yeh J, et al. Am J Public Health. 2008 Nov;98(11):1930; author reply 1930-1. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.144709. Epub 2008 Sep 17. Am J Public Health. 2008. PMID: 18799760 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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