Table 1 Role of quality improvement (QI) in health systems strengthening using the WHO six building blocks framework (from Leatherman et al [6].)

Service delivery:

QI closes the gap between actual and achievable practice.

Health workforce:

QI enhances individual performance, satisfaction and retention.

Information:

QI enhances the development and adoption of information systems.

Medical products, vaccines and technology:

QI improves the appropriate, evidence-based use of limited resources.

Financing:

QI helps optimize the use of limited resources and helps reduce the costs of financial transactions.

Leadership and governance

QI strengthens measurement capacity, stewardship, accountability and transparency.