About the conference

Since 1992, the Health Systems Trust (HST) has been contributing to the development of a comprehensive, equitable and effective national health system in South Africa. More recently HST has begun to work more widely within the SADC region. Core activities of HST are health systems research, health systems development, advocacy, capacity development and information dissemination.

The overall aim of the conference is to provide an opportunity to share HST’s work in strengthening health systems and that of its grantees, as part of a celebration of HST’s 15th birthday. A panel of external experts will formally review HST’s recent programme of work during the conference.

The presentations, discussions and workshops will provide a forum for exchange between public health practitioners, researchers, funders and advocates on issues of importance in strengthening health systems in southern Africa. Key findings of the South African Health Review 2007, which focuses on the role of the private sector in the national health system, will be previewed at the conference prior to its release at the end of 2007.

Conference Topics

HEALTH SYSTEMS RESEARCH

1. Decentralisation & PHC services
2. Human resources for health
3. HIV and AIDS
4. Tuberculosis.

DISTRICT SUPPORT & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

1. Clinic supervision implementation
2. STI management (SA and SADC)
3. Information systems and tools to strengthen PHC programmes
4. Information systems and tools to strengthen district human resource management, pharmacy systems, and birth registration
5. Community development in nutrition
6. Community mobilisation: HIV and AIDS prevention and care.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT, HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS, M&E, GOVERNANCE AND EQUITY

1. Health information systems
2. Monitoring and evaluation of key programmes
3. Governance and equity
4. Knowledge management and information dissemination in the health sector
5. The South African Health Review
6. The District Health Barometer

Conference Workshops (Proposed Titles)

1. Essential national health research focus areas
2. Data quality in health information systems
3. Progress in PHC since Alma Ata
4. Challenges in integration of TB/HIV and reproductive health services.

Conference Information

No conference fee will be charged as HST will cover the day conferencing costs (including conference dinner), for all invited delegates. Delegates* however, will be expected to cover their own travel, accommodation and any associated costs.

*Excluding HST staff, board members, and review panel members.