In 1993, the World Development Report suggested that mortality rates could be significantly reduced if resources were directed more in line with local “burden of disease.” The Tanzania Essential Health Interventions Project (TEHIP) was founded to test this idea. After a decade of research and experience, the verdict is in: the idea is solid, and has produced some remarkable results. Two districts in Tanzania, for example, have seen child mortality rates fall by more than 40%.

This website presents the TEHIP story. It is a story of hope, and holds important lessons that can be applied widely throughout the countries of the developing world, and beyond.

THE ISSUE In Africa, and throughout the developing world, health care has been in a state of crisis for several decades. The TEHIP experience offers a ray of hope. Chapter 1 of Fixing Health Systems (2nd edition): The idea Preface to Fixing Health Systems (2nd edition) Resources on the issue

THE RESEARCH Hypothesis: resolving the health care crisis depends not just upon new funding but also upon applying those funds to cost-effective interventions that address the greatest contributors to burden of disease. Case studies: Building capacity - Community participation - The Demographic Surveillance System - Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses - Malaria  Resources on TEHIP research

THE LESSONS The fundamental lesson from TEHIP is that international institutions and various levels of government must consider the strengthening of health systems a high priority, alongside the introduction of new therapies, drugs, and vaccines. Executive Summary (2008 update) of Fixing Health Systems Epilogue of Fixing Health Systems (2nd edition) Resources on lessons and recommendations