3.3 How should the fund be governed
Introduction
Understanding the different models for managing a health promotion fund will help in identifying the most appropriate health promotion model for your country.
In this section, you will learn about the three main health promotion management models, understand the advantages and disadvantages of each model, and read case studies from countries using these models.
How is governance for these funds structured?
A health promotion fund may not be a priority or necessity for countries that receive a regular source of health promotion funding, example:
- Singapore Health Promotion Board
- Health Promotion Centre in the Brunei Ministry of Health
Regardless of the model used, it is important that the funding source and governance of the fund be established by legislation such as an Act of Parliament.
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This is to ensure
- fund’s transparency
- accountability mechanisms
- fund’s effectiveness
- fund’s sustainability
- no inappropriate use of funds
- no other political interference
There are three main health promotion foundation models:
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An autonomous agency that is governed by an independent statutory body outside of the government’s bureaucratic system
A semi-autonomous agency in which the fund is directed through the Ministry of Health and at the same time is administered by an independent board of governance
References:
- World Health Organization. (2004). The establishment and use of dedicated taxes for health. World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific.
- Vathesatogkit P, Yen Lian T, Ritthipakdee B. (2011). Lessons Learned In Establishing A Health Promotion Fund. Bangkok, Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA).
- Vathesatogkit P, Yen Lian T, Ritthipakdee B. (2013). Health Promotion: Sustainable Financing and Governance. Bangkok, Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).
- World Health Organization. (2016). Earmarked Tobacco Taxes: Lessons Learnt from Nine Countries. World Health Organization. Geneva.
