Reducing health system corruption
Corruption can be defined as “the abuse of entrusted power for private gain”. Corruption diverts most needed resources. It weakens health systems, exacerbates inequalities, and costs lives. As such, anti-corruption, transparency and accountability (ACTA) efforts are crucial, and SDG target 16.5 aims at the substantial reduction of corruption and bribery in all their forms.
WHO supports the integration of an ACTA view in health system strengthening efforts and develops guidelines and recommendations to steer member states action in this field.
WHO, UNDP and the Global Fund are currently in the process of setting up the “ACTA for health Alliance”. The Alliance intends to: 1) harness opportunities for collaboration and partnerships across sectors and communities, 2) invite others to participate in shaping the collective conversation and emerging global network, 3) raise the profile of corruption and health in the 2030 agenda, 4) transform ACTA measures into accelerators of health objectives by bridging across ongoing efforts and innovations.
