South African health review 2006: maternal, women's and child health: th unfinished agenda

Maternal, child and women's health in South Africa: review 2006

By: Padarth, A. Published by: Health Systems Trust (HST), 2007. Via: Eldis

What are the achievements, challenges and gaps that impact on transformation and strengthening of the South African health system? The South African Health Review (SAHR) serves as a knowledge resource on the development of the national health system, and contributes to the assessment of the implementation of health policies. The 2006 SAHR confirms the indivisibility of maternal, women’s and child health and reinforces the need for multi-sectoral, collaborative initiatives which take a more broader view of the determinants of health outcomes such as water, nutrition and education, all of which need to work together if the health of vulnerable populations is to improve.

The review, which consists of 22 chapters, also includes chapters on health care financing, health policy and legislation, the impact of international trade treaties on South Africa’s National Health Act and Health Management Information Systems. This review suggests that South Africa has made considerable progress in strengthening its health management information system which is a touchstone of an efficient health system.

(http://hst.org.za/uploads/files/sahr2006.pdf)