Strategizing National Health in the 21st Century: A Handbook

This handbook was designed to provide up-to-date and practical guidance on national health planning and strategizing for health. It establishes a set of best practices to support strategic plans for health and represents the wealth of experience accumulated by WHO on national health policies, strategies, and plans (NHPSPs).

WHO has been one of the leading organizations to support countries in the development of NHPSPs. The focus on improving plans has grown in recent years in recognition of the benefits of anchoring a strong national health sector in a written vision based on participation, analysis, and evidence.

World Health Organization is a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, charged to act as the world's directing and coordinating authority on questions of human health. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and assessing health trends.