Healthcare Delivery

What are health policy and systems research priorities for universal health coverage in South Africa?

Authors

  • H Schneider School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Health Services to Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
  • T Kredo South African Cochrane Centre, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
  • W A Odendaal HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
  • F Abdullah Office of AIDS and TB Research, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2023.v113i2.16798

Keywords:

universal health coverage, south africa

Abstract

We report here on the process and findings of a research prioritisation exercise for universal health coverage (UHC) in South Africa, conducted during the course of 2019. As plans to roll out National Health Insurance (NHI) gather momentum and we transition into a pandemic recovery phase, we believe that it is now time to revisit these priorities, while recognising that experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic have revealed new system challenges and strengths and introduced new priorities. The UHC research priority-setting methodology followed a stepwise process of collation of evidence, expert brainstorming and the development of a survey completed by 68 members of the Public Health Association of South Africa. Themes related to leadership and governance were ranked most highly, and with other priorities generated, provide an initial road map of knowledge needs that could guide individual institutions and commissioning by funding bodies. We further reflect on the importance of researcher-decision-maker dialogue and strengthening the contribution of health policy and systems research to policy and practice, especially as new reforms are implemented.

References

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National Department of Health, South Africa. National Health Research Strategy: Research priorities for South Africa, 2021 - 2024. https://health.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/NATIONAL- HEALTH-RESEARCH-STRATEGY-2021-2024.pdf (accessed 26 August 2022).

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Published

2023-02-01

Issue

Section

In Practice

How to Cite

1.
Schneider H, Kredo T, Odendaal WA, Abdullah F. Healthcare Delivery: What are health policy and systems research priorities for universal health coverage in South Africa?. S Afr Med J [Internet]. 2023 Feb. 1 [cited 2025 Feb. 19];113(2):61-4. Available from: https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/729