Enablers and obstacles for designing and implementing intersectoral
policies: lessons from Mexico
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.