Political Impetus: Towards a Successful Agenda-Setting for Inclusive Health Policies in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Comment on "Shaping the Health Policy Agenda: The Case of Safe Motherhood Policy in Vietnam".

Xiaoguang Yang,Xu Qian

doi:10.15171/ijhpm.2016.10

Abstract

Agenda-setting is a crucial step for inclusive health policies in the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Enlightened by Ha et al manuscript, this commentary paper argues that 'political impetus' is the key to the successful agenda-setting of health policies in LMICs, though other determinants may also play the role during the process. This Vietnamese case study presents a good example for policy-makers of other LMICs; it offers insights for contexts where there are limited health resources and poor health performance. Further research which compares various stages of the health policy process across countries, is much needed.

Highlights

There is growing consensus internationally that health policy-making should be more inclusive
This paper draws upon Ha et al case,[1] and reflects upon the key factors for inclusive health policy-making in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), based on Vietnam’s experience with maternal health policymaking
The key question is: What can persuade the decision-maker to select the public health priorities from numerous competing public policy priorities? This is an important question for researchers in LMICs – as a better understanding the conditions and mechanism for a successful agenda-setting, can help set the stage for more effectively influencing the policy process to achieve the public health goals

Summary

Introduction

There is growing consensus internationally that health policy-making should be more inclusive. This paper draws upon Ha et al case,[1] and reflects upon the key factors for inclusive health policy-making in LMICs, based on Vietnam’s experience with maternal health policymaking.

Results

Conclusion