preparatory study phase to operational activities in 1990. In Togo, extensive baseline studies on the three components of the Bamako Initiative were undertaken by a mixed govcmment-university-liNlCEF/WHQ team. During a national seminar, gradual implementation of the strategies of the Initiative was planned, starting in 1990. Preparatory studies on areas of major national concern are under way with UNICEF support in Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Tanzania and Zaire, and similar activities arc being supported in Burundi, Cameroon, Liberia, Rwanda and Sudan, with initial funding from the Bamako Initiative Global Reserve. A 16number of countries are expected to present programme proposals to the Executive Board for support in 1991. Among issues which are being closely monitored are the rational use of drugs, problems of cost recovery, management of community funds, equity of access to PHC, referral services, essential drugs supply and information management (Bamako Initiative Progress Report to the Executive Board, E/ICEF/1989/L. 3). UNICEF has provided advocacy and other .support to national planning efforts and the implementation of MCH/PHC services. Many countries have established intersectoral commissions which act as lead bodies for I'HC strengthening with support from UNICEK, WHO and other agencies. uKriCEF regional offices have also supported inter-country consultations to enhance understanding by sharing experiences, particularly in the area of micro-planning, which is key to the decentralization of health management and services as envisaged under the Initiative. During 1989, the Bamako Initiative Management Unit at UNICEP Headquar- ters continued its efforts to develop the conceptual framework of the Initiative into a broad-based MCH/PHC revival. A conference on community financing in PHC was held in Paris in February to discuss the experience of many francophone African countries. Participants came from Africa, European institutes and NCOS, WHO, the World Bank and UNICEE It
**Analysis**
The text discusses the Bamako Initiative, a global effort to strengthen primary health care (PHC) and maternal and child health (MCH) services in several African countries. The text highlights the preparatory work, planning, and implementation of PHC services, including community financing, management of community funds, and essential drugs supply. The text also mentions the involvement of international organizations such as UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank. Given the focus on health services and international cooperation, it is likely that the text falls under the categories of Health and Humanitarian aid and relief.

**Category**
Health, Humanitarian aid and relief