Reproductive health

Between June 1999 and May 2000, a research team from the Women's Health Research Unit in the Department of Public Health at the University of Cape Town conducted a descriptive study on integration of reproductive health services. The study was to assess and compare the extent, obstacles and facilitating factors of the integration process of the reproductive health services in two health areas (within one health district) in Cape Town. The two health areas where a study was conducted were Khayelitsha and Belhar health areas. Both of these areas are under Tygerberg Health District. The focus of this study was to assess the role of vertical reproductive health services within these integrated services. This research was commissioned with the purpose of informing policy makers and health managers about policy and its implementation in this area of health care restructuring.

In 2000, the Reproductive Health Manager at the Provincial Administration of the Western Cape (PAWC) approached the Womens Health Research Unit (WHRU) to review the reproductive health information that was being collected at a provincial level and ascertain whether the data being collected was reliable and useful, and whether additional indicators were needed. At the same time, the Health Systems Trust expressed interest in commissioning a project that would develop a set of reproductive health indicators that could be used, particularly by health service managers.

This project was undertaken to establish a database of mental health services literature from Southern Africa. This review of the literature indicates that South Africa is similar to many other developing countries in the world, with a considerable burden of mental ill-health and inadequate mental health services, that are in need of transformation. Recommendations for future research, and suggestions for how this particular database and report can be used, are made.

Promoting health adolescent reproductive and sexual health had been recognised nationally and internationally as a priority. This is particularly true in South Africa where HIV and STD incidence rates are amongst the highest in the world. Reproductive health and life-skills programmes have been in place for a number of years. Some have been delivered by the public education and health services, others by NGOs. However, many burning questions remain, and among them, how should health promotion and education be most effectively and efficiently provided? What lessons can be learnt from initiatives in the past? This document attempts to paint a broad picture of existing initiatives with a particular focus on Kwa-Zulu Natal, yet of relevance to the whole of South Africa.

This report is the first of its kind for the Tshepo health district, and is a proof that the District Health System (DHS) has started taking root in the Free State.

This report is intended primarily for health managers in the Free State, and all those involved in the collection of ReHMIS data. The information was obtained from ReHMIS, a health management information system implemented by the Free State ReHMIS team. Data was collected from all public sector health facilities, and related to available resources, and the nature and extent of services rendered. As standardised national definitions were used, the information is comparable across regions and across provinces in South Africa.

This report is intended primarily for health managers in Northern Province, and all those involved in the collection of ReHMIS data. The information was obtained from ReHMIS, a health management information system implemented by the Northern Province ReHMIS team. Data was collected from all health facilities (public and private), and related to available resources, and the nature and extent of services rendered. As standardised national definitions were used, the information is comparable across regions and across provinces in South Africa.

Overview of progress from January - June 1997Kwik-Skwiz is a new, no-frills brief designed for busy health service managers and health workers. It aims to keep you informed of progress with the Initiative for Sub-District Support (ISDS). Some of the briefs will chronicle developments, while others will illustrate the lessons learnt through the successes and difficulties of implementation. Kwik-Skwiz will be distributed to everyone on the Health Systems Trusts mailing list (about 4 500 people in government, NGOs, training and research institutions, funders and the media). More detailed information is available through other ISDS publications. File Kwik-Skwiz for easy reference.

Over the last decade numerous reproductive health training initiatives have evolved in South Africa, yet there is relatively little communication and co-ordination between these respective initiatives.

This directory aims to provide a comprehensive resource of training initiatives relating to reproductive health that are currently being offered throughout South Africa. The directory will thus serve to:

• Be a reference point for what reproductive health training is available in the country.
• Advertise the services of respective training providers at a government, non-government and academic level and
• Facilitate networking between respective sectors and institutions.

The Health Systems Trust has a commitment to encourage collaboration between respective training providers and minimizing the duplication of work that is available. The production of the directory has been focused on making reproductive health training accessible to as many health care providers and communities as possible by providing the relevant information whilst advertising the wealth of training offered by respective organizations and institutions in the fields of reproductive health.