Accountability and Transparency for Public Health Policy

Good governance exists when decisionmakers are accountable to the public, processes are transparent, institutions and information are directly accessible, and the government is able to serve the needs of its people effectively. CSOs can contribute to health programs and public welfare by encouraging governments to involve citizens and technical specialists in identifying and addressing important human needs. To ensure good governance, social accountability, and transparency, CSOs can build relationships with government leaders and other stakeholders. This involves making contact with stakeholders, becoming an expert in the issue, and establishing good working relationships with relevant government units. CSOs can also join or build networks and coalitions to introduce themselves and their organization to existing networks and coalitions that work in their area of interest. Building relationships with stakeholders is key to ensuring accountability and transparency in government. CSOs can make contact with stakeholders by attending public events, setting up meetings, and offering assistance or exploring possible collaborations. Becoming an expert in the issue involves reading current reports and articles, subscribing to reputable listservs and electronic newsletters, and joining global listservs that focus on specific issues. Establishing good working relationships with relevant government units involves understanding the government's priorities, offering helpful collaboration, and providing new information or assistance. CSOs can also build alliances with technical experts inside the government by providing technical experts with information or assistance they may need. Joining or building networks and coalitions involves introducing yourself and your organization to existing networks and coalitions that work in your area of interest. CSOs can also ensure government transparency by learning the system, requesting and collecting information, and holding government officials accountable. Learning the system involves familiarizing yourself with relevant policies and regulations, mapping out the various players and stakeholders, and becoming acquainted with the overall policy environment. Requesting and collecting information involves requesting key documents from the relevant agency, investigating whether there are laws that give citizens the right to access information, and using access to information laws or lobbying government information offices. Holding government officials accountable involves making formal, written requests for information to the government, keeping a record of your efforts, and asking the media to report on your denial of access to information. CSOs can also supplement the documents with information from other sources, including reports or data from other government departments, CSOs, international bodies, universities, etc. Finally, CSOs can advocate for better information by calling on government to begin recording the kind of data needed to monitor policy implementation. In the case of maternal health advocates in Uganda, they found parliamentary champions by approaching them first on non-controversial issues. This approach helped to open the space to tackle more sensitive issues and led to a lasting alliance. By following these steps, CSOs can promote good governance, social accountability, and transparency in public health policy and contribute to the development of effective health programs and policies.