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Enablers and obstacles for designing and implementing intersectoral policies: lessons from Mexico
  • Adolfo Martinez Valle,
  • Alejandro Figueroa-Lara
Adolfo Martinez Valle
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico

Corresponding Author:adolfomartinezvalle@gmail.com

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Alejandro Figueroa-Lara
Werfen UK
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Abstract

This study analyzes how national intersectoral public policy experiences have been adopted and implemented using a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach in the past two decades. It seeks to provide evidence on enabling factors that triggered three effective intersectoral public policies to improve population health in Mexico by improving nutritional, educational, and healthcare access conditions, reducing road traffic injuries, and addressing obesogenic feeding practices. We followed a qualitative approach to analyze the three intersectoral public policies selected as case studies. First, we designed an analytical framework to assess how intersectoral public policies are adopted, implemented, and sustained. The proposed framework is based on peer-reviewed articles and grey public policy literature. Second, we used information from eleven semi-structured interviews to key stakeholders conducted in previous research to identify more specific enablers and barriers of the three intersectoral policies selected according to predefined analytical categories used in the questionnaire. The analysis showed three overall key findings. First, sound empirical evidence is essential for adopting a HiAP approach. Second effective intersectoral mechanisms enhance implementation feasibility. Third, results-based monitoring and evaluation contribute to the continuity of the analyzed intersectoral public policies. Finally, political support is needed throughout the policy process to maintain governance capacity and deliver results. Finally, we drew five global policy lessons that may be applicable in similar public policy settings in other countries. First, both technical and political enablers help set the intersectoral agenda. Second, effective communication is instrumental in convincing all stakeholders to address public health-related policy issues. Third, political support at the highest level possible and the federal government’s capacity are essential to implement sound policies. Fourth, several enablers exist for enhancing collaboration between ministries during implementation. Finally, monitoring and evaluation results are necessary for sustaining intersectoral policies beyond administrations.
25 Oct 2023Submitted to Public Health Challenges
26 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
26 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
05 Nov 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
22 Feb 20241st Revision Received
04 Mar 2024Submission Checks Completed
04 Mar 2024Assigned to Editor
10 Mar 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Apr 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 Apr 2024Editorial Decision: Accept