Meetings

Community participation is widely accepted as a desirable feature of any health system and is considered to be an important aspect of developing and fostering effective governance at various levels of the health system. Good governance is a fundamental tenet of South African health care and the National Health Act No. 61 of 2003, makes provision for formally constituted, broad based governance structures which include community representation at various levels of healthcare delivery. Effective governance of the health system is critical to ensure both access to quality health services and the accountability of the health services to communities.

The BCP project is a PEPFAR funded joint venture between SA Partners and Africare. The project promotes early recruitment and retention of newly diagnosed PLWHA into care and support programs. The project will finalize a BCP national curriculum and establish BCP support groups in the Eastern Cape that provide information and support to newly diagnosed individuals at health facilities and within communities.

Closing date: Position to be filled as soon as first suitable applicant is found. Interviews for position to be completed by 6th November 2007 at the latest.
This 18 month contract position will work within a team to establish an innovative network of support groups based at Counseling & Testing (C&T) sites throughout the Eastern Cape.

Closing date: 30 August 2006

We are providing an opportunity for an intern to work in District Health Systems Development in Gauteng in order to foster integration and to support the implementation of systems and improve Primary Health Care.

We are seeking to appoint a full-time Facilitator to support the sub-district management teams in the Tshwane District in implementing comprehensive primary health care within a decentralised system. Responsibilities: Support the Province in:- - Identifying and defining priority health problems at the district level - Designing and implementing appropriate intervention strategies to address identified problems - Building an appropriate skills base at the local level - Sharing the benefits and lessons learnt with neighbouring and other ISDS sites - Supporting the transition to Local Government - Liaison with the Regional and Provincial Offices of the Department of Health - Liaison with Local and District Municipalities - Documentation of successful interventions Requirements: - Appropriate university degree or equivalent in health systems development - Five (5) years experience in relevant field. - Facilitation skills - Good writing and communication skills - Research and evaluation skills - Knowledge of Primary Health Care, district system development, local government and priority health problems Remuneration: A salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications and in line with the HST’s Job grading is available.This is a 1-year CONTRACT position, which will be reviewed annually depending on future needs. The incumbent should be prepared to travel substantially. Applications/ Enquiries: A detailed CV with names and contact details of at least two references should be sent to Dawn McDonald PO Box 808 Durban, 4000 Fax: 031-3040775 E-mail: dawn@hst.org.za Closing date for applications: 9 May 2003 THE HEALTH SYSTEMS TRUST SUPPORTS EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

HST/ISDS are seeking to appoint a full-time Facilitator to support the sub-district management teams in the Gauteng Province in implementing comprehensive primary health care within a decentralised system. Responsibilities: Support the Province in:- -Identifying and defining priority health problems at the district level -Designing and implementing appropriate intervention strategies to address identified problems -Building an appropriate skills base at the local level - Sharing the benefits and lessons learnt with neighbouring and other ISDS sites - Supporting the transition to Local Government - Liaison with the Regional and Provincial Offices of the Department of Health - Liaison with Local and District Municipalities - Documentation of successful interventions Requirements: * Appropriate university degree or equivalent in health systems development * Five (5) years experience in relevant field. * Facilitation skills * Good writing and communication skills * Research and evaluation skills * Knowledge of Primary Health Care, district system development, local government and priority health problems Remuneration: A salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications and in line with the HST’s Job grading This is a 1-year CONTRACT position, which will be reviewed annually depending on future needs. The incumbent should be prepared to travel substantially. Applications/ Enquiries: A detailed CV with names and contact details of at least two references should be sent to Dawn McDonald at the Durban Head Office, PO Box 808, Durban, 4000 Fax: 031-3040775 e-mail: dawn@hst.org.za Closing date for applications: 9 May 2003 THE HEALTH SYSTEMS TRUST SUPPORTS EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

Implementation of the District Health System is dependent upon close collaboration among a variety of groups and individuals. The key element in such collaboration is effective communication and follow-up. Meetings and their minutes are a foundation for success. Well-run meetings promote full participation in decision-making, drawing on the groups accumulated experience and expertise. Active participation in turn enhances the success of meetings. Effective meetings can strengthen the team through promoting group ownership of decisions and improving communication. Poor meetings, on the other hand, are frustrating and can be destructive.