Welcome to the Health Systems Global blog
By Jeffrey V. Lazarus
Like so many before us, Health Systems Global is venturing into the realm of blogs! We don’t quite know what to expect. Who will be eager to share blog posts? About what? Who will comment? Which issues will generate the most debate and discussion?
All we know for sure is that there is rapidly growing interest in all things health systems. This blog proposes to be a catch-all forum that is not restricted by any ideological agenda. We welcome a focus on the World Health Organization health systems building blocks, and we welcome critiques of the building blocks. We welcome new ideas, frameworks and visions, along with pleasant reminders of what must not be forgotten.
What can you contribute?
Anything and everything related to health systems research, policy and implementation!
In the months leading up to the Third Global Symposium on Health Systems Research (30 September – 3 October 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa), we encourage blog posts that explore the many aspects of the symposium theme, “people-centred health systems”.
We also welcome topics linked to our webinar series (more on this soon!) and our thematic working groups: research methodologies, teaching health systems, universal health coverage, medicines in health systems, the health systems of fragile and conflict-affected states, human resources for health, and the translation of evidence into action.
How can you contribute?
We invite you to send a blog in an MS Word document (maximum 500 words, images and figures are welcome) to healthsystemsresearch@cphiv.dk. We also invite you to comment on existing blogs.
A few questions to inspire your blogging…
Given the strong interest in our upcoming Symposium, with its theme of “people-centred health systems,” we encourage reflections on the following questions:
- What should global health actors such as major foundations and intergovernmental organisations be doing to promote people-centred health systems?
- Which elements of national health systems most need to be re-oriented toward the needs and preferences of individuals, families and communities?
- How can national governments be convinced of the value of making health systems more people-centred?
- What is the role of research in promoting more people-centred health systems?
- What are the most promising models for engaging communities in making health systems more people-centred?
- What strategies and policies do national health systems need to adopt to promote the well-being and rights of health workers?
- What are innovative strategies for making health systems more responsive and accountable to communities?
- What are the human rights-based arguments for making health systems more people-centred?
- How can communities be involved in health systems monitoring and research?
The conversation need not stop here. Be heard and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for the latest in health systems research, news and events.
Jeffrey V. Lazarus
Secretariat Director, Health Systems Global
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