The simultaneous introduction of the district health system and performance-based funding: the Burundi experience

Burundi recently introduced two fundamental reforms to its health system: a district health system (DHS) and performance-based financing (PBF) of the healthcare facilities. The authors of this article set out to conduct a simultaneous trial on implementation of DHS and PBF. The assessment refers to the six building blocks of health systems proposed by the WHO, and demonstrates that PBF can either have a leverage effect or hinder the following functional elements of the DHS: the group dynamics of the District Health Management Team (DHMT), the way the district hospital functions in relation to the primary health care level, the curative and preventive health services provided by health centers to provide health cover for a target population, the provision of essential medication by a fully-functional district pharmacy, the action-focused on the health management information system (HMIS) and funding that ensures fair provision and guaranteed resupply, supported by a transparent organization. The authors recommend that these aspects receive the attention they deserve as part of initiatives that combine both reforms, especially in the start-up stage. The health system regulator – the Ministry of Health – must remain vigilant to make any necessary adjustments and to avoid negative consequences.