The World Bank’s PRSP sourcebook states that “funds linked to PRSPs … will have far greater impact on poor countries’ health levels if they are accompanied by a thorough review of existing policies and by a willingness to link new spending with reforms that make health systems work better, especially for the people they tend to serve least well – the poor”.

The database allows an assessment of how far this guidance has been realized in practice, in relation to health. It contains information from a standardized analytical framework which has been applied to a series of PRSPs. Wherever possible, direct quotes from the PRSP are used – it is hoped that this “raw information” will be of use to others researching PRSPs. It is important to emphasize that the goal of the project is not to judge the validity of the PRSP relative to the situation on the ground, rather it is to judge the internal validity and “pro-poorness” of the document. Further frameworks will be added to this site as they are completed.

A report summarizing the findings and lessons learnt across many countries: PRSPs – Their Significance for Health is also available to download.