Health Needs Assessment (HNA)

Health Needs Assessment (HNA) is a fundamental skill for health services planning, providing Zambian tertiary students with a systematic method to identify and prioritize the health issues of a specific population. This topic covers the definition, benefits, and challenges of HNA, outlining a multi-step process from initiation and stakeholder identification to data collection, priority setting, and planning for change. Students will learn to differentiate between health needs, demands, and supply, and to utilize various data sources, including epidemiological data, service utilization records, and community input, to build an accurate health profile. For university and college learners in Zambia, proficiency in HNA is crucial for ensuring that health planning and resource allocation are evidence-based, equitable, and responsive to the true burdens of disease and social determinants of health within communities. This topic aligns closely with the syllabus for health services planning, empowering students to move beyond assumptions and design interventions that effectively address gaps in service provision and health outcomes, a critical competency for future health managers and planners in the Zambian health system.