Health policy and systems research: needs, challenges and opportunities in South Africa – a university perspective
Date
2013Author
Marsha, Orgill
Nonhlanhla, Nxumalo
Woldekidan K., Amde
Uta, Lehmann
Jane, Goudge
Lucy, Gilson
Erasmus, Ermin
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The last two decades have seen growing international recognition of the need to strengthen health systems in order to deliver already available, cost-effective health interventions. This chapter describes the parallel global growth of the field of Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR) and outlines what this field of research is and what it is not. The chapter also clarifies how HPSR can contribute to strengthening health systems. The particular relevance of HPSR in SA is discussed, given the range of health system transformation initiatives in place. Drawing both on an HPSR capacity assessment conducted in three universities and discussions
with a wider group of researchers and health system managers, the chapter also
considers the existing assets for and challenges facing the development of the field
in South Africa. It closes with suggested strategies and priorities for developing and
building capacity in this field nationally.