Table 2 The Policy Environment

Partnerships with other sectors

• Partnerships exist with other sectors whose work is relevant to, or impacts on, public health

(most relevant sectors---some relevant sectors ---few relevant sectors)

• Partner organizations work together in a collaborative manner

(collaboration---consultation---information exchange)

• Partnerships are institutionally embedded

(always---sometimes---rarely)

• Where it is appropriate, these partnerships are sustained over time

(always---sometimes---rarely)

Involvement with NGOs

• Partnerships exist with NGOs whose work is relevant to, or impacts on, public health

(most relevant organisations---some relevant organisations---few relevant organisations)

• Partner organizations work collaboratively on planning and program delivery

(collaboration---consultation---information exchange)

• Partnerships are institutionally embedded

(always---sometimes---rarely)

• Where it is appropriate, these partnerships are sustained over time

(always---sometimes---rarely)

Involvement with the private sector

• Partnerships exist with private sector organizations whose work is relevant to, or impacts on, public health

(most relevant organisations---some relevant organisations---few relevant organisations)

• Partner organizations work collaboratively on planning and program delivery

(collaboration---consultation---information exchange)

• Partnerships are institutionally embedded

(always---sometimes---rarely)

• Where it is appropriate, these partnerships are sustained over time

(always---sometimes---rarely)

Planning and resource allocation

• There are links between planning activities and resource allocation

(systematic links---informal links---no links)

HEALTHY PUBLIC POLICY

Health sector

• In the health sector, legislation reflects contemporary public health philosophy and practice

(always---sometimes---rarely)

• In the health sector, a policy statement or commitment to public health exists

(fully developed---partially developed---not developed)

• This statement reflects contemporary public health philosophy and practice

(fully reflects---partially reflects---does not reflect)

• Funding, training and coordination mechanisms are in place to implement policy

(fully in place---partially in place---not in place)

Other sectors

• Legislation in other sectors, relevant to public health, contributes to public health goals and objectives

(always---sometimes---rarely)

• Policy statements in other sectors, relevant to public health, contribute to public health goals and objectives

(always---sometimes---rarely)

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AT THE SYSTEM LEVEL

Data and research

• High quality data is available

(always---sometimes---rarely)

• High quality data is used in policy and program development

(always---sometimes---rarely)

• High quality data is systematically appraised and used

(always---sometimes---rarely)

Evaluation

• Evaluation findings are applied in policy and program development

(always---sometimes---rarely)

Intellectual capital

• Specialist expertise is available

(always---sometimes---rarely)

• Access to specialized expertise is facilitated where required

(always---sometimes---rarely)

LEADERSHIP AT THE SYSTEM LEVEL

Advocacy for public health

• There are clearly identifiable leaders for public health

(on all issues---on some issues---on few issues)

• These leaders provide a credible voice for public health

(on all issues---on some issues---on few issues)

• These leaders set the agenda on issues relating to public health

(consistent agenda setting---episodic agenda setting---reactive only)

Technical leadership

• Those in leadership and management positions provide the necessary technical leadership

(in all areas---in some areas---in few areas)

Political commitment

• There is a political commitment to issues relating to public health

(strong commitment---commitment on some issues---weak commitment)