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Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR)
The Network is involved in health policy and system research (HPSR). HPSR is ultimately concerned with improving the health of people and communities, by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system and its services as an integral part of the overall process of socio-economic development. The overall objective of HPSR is to provide health managers at all levels, as well as community members, with relevant information needed to make evidence-based decisions on the health-related problems they are facing.
There is no single definition of a health system. From a narrow perspective, a health system is comprised of policies, strategies, structures, mechanisms and procedures of the different levels of public health care services from village to national level. However, the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach has broadened the horizon of medical care providers considerably by putting individuals and communities in the centre of attention. This allows for inclusion of other sectors influencing health such as education, water, sanitation and environment, as well as the private sector, and makes HPSR inter-sectoral in nature.
In addition, HPSR is multidisciplinary and involves disciplines such as public health, medicine, health economics, and behavioural and social sciences; it is participatory and involves all stakeholders concerned with a particular health or health care problem; and it is action oriented and aimed at developing solutions to existing challenges.
HPSR has in fact been an important element of the Network’s research programme for many years. Results from its operational, epidemiological, anthropological and health economical research have had a direct bearing on the organisation and performance of health systems in developing countries. In line with increasing global attention to the concept of Research for Health and the wider determinants of health, the Network will intensify its involvement in this scientific area in the future.
