FACTORS OF POWER WITHIN THE AGENDA SETTING STAGE OF GLOBAL HEALTH POLICYMAKING: A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS OF MATERNAL HEALTH POLICY PRIORITIZATION IN RWANDA

Abstract

In the context of global health, the agenda setting stage of policymaking is pivotal to the effective advancement of global health policy. While global health policy advancement is often portrayed as an objective, altruistic effort seeking to better the health of a population, it is equally necessary to recognize the underlying power dynamics which shape policy outcomes. Researchers in the field of global health policymaking have developed several frameworks to analyze how power dynamics influence health policy advancement on a global scale. Notably, Dr. Jeremy Shiffman proposes a four-factor framework which identifies key actors of power present within the agenda-setting stage of health policy making within a country. This thesis includes a case study of successful Rwandan maternal health policy advancements within the last two decades, and utilizes Shiffman's framework to identify key factors of power which influence health policy prioritization within the country. Key findings from this study have allowed for a deeper understanding of how actors of power interact with one another to shape health policy, and have ultimately highlighted the effectiveness of strong political entrepreneurship, effective decentralization, and a participatory approach to policymaking as central factors in Rwanda's maternal health policy success. These insights contribute to a broader understanding of how power dynamics can be strategically leveraged to advance global health agendas.