Abstract
While there has been substantial growth in early childhood development (ECD) services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is considerable inequity in their distribution and quality. Evidence-based governance strategies are necessary, but currently they are insufficient for widespread, quality implementation. In particular, there is a limited understanding of the use of systems approaches for the analysis of ECD services as they go to scale. The aim of this paper is to present findings from four countries, using a cross-national case study approach to explore governance mechanisms required to strengthen national systems of ECD services. While different sets of governance strategies and challenges were identified in each country, overarching themes also emerged with implications for systems strengthening. Study results focus on local, mid-level and central governance, with recommendations for effective coordination and the integration of ECD services in LMICs.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 245-255 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences |
Volume | 1308 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2014 |
Keywords
- Coordination
- Early childhood
- Governance
- Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
- Systems strengthening
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
- History and Philosophy of Science