political impetus: towards a successful agenda-setting for inclusive health policies in low- and middle-income countries; comment on “shaping the health policy agenda: the case of safe motherhood policy in vietnam”

agenda-setting is a crucial step for inclusive health policies in the low- and middle-income countries (lmics). enlightened by ha et al manuscript, this commentary paper argues that ‘political impetus’ is the key to the successful agenda-setting of health policies in lmics, though other determinants may also play the role during the process. this vietnamese case study presents a good example for policy-makers of other lmics; it offers insights for contexts where there are limited health resources and poor health performance. further research which compares various stages of the health policy process across countries, is much needed.