Human Resource Allocation Model (HRAM 3!)

The Human Resource Allocation Model (HRAM 3!) project aims to develop a novel digital tool to support contextualized priority-setting and prevention planning within Tanzania’s health system. 

Funded by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and conducted as part of a PhD research project, the initiative responds to growing pressures on health systems across sub-Saharan Africa. These include climate shocks, fiscal constraints, demographic shifts, and population displacement. Together, these challenges place significant strain on health facilities, supply chains, and service delivery—making efficient and equitable health planning more critical than ever.

Tanzania has a strong tradition of doing health system planning, organized by multiple Health Sector Strategic Plans. However, changing conditions require more responsive and data-informed tools to strengthen decision-making.

HRAM 3! is a health systems planning and analysis tool that has been widely applied in over 90 courses and trainings globally. It assesses the quantitative effects of health facility and human resource allocations on service coverage, mortality, and overall population health outcomes. The tool also helps decision-makers better understand the implications of their choices, incorporate equity considerations, and align planning decisions with broader health strategies.

Project Objectives

The project seeks to:

1. Gather evidence from health system planners at all levels on controllable planning parameters, including human resources, strategies, and financial resources
2. Improve and rationalize priority-setting processes in health resource allocation
3. Conduct a comprehensive analysis of health systems planning challenges and needs in Tanzania.

The research team includes Micha Bigler (PhD student), Prof Mirko Winkler of Swiss TPH (Supervisor), and Dr Grace Mhalu of Ifakara  Health Institute (Supervisor).