Publications
HST provides free electronic access to over 500 health systems research related reports, publications and papers. Close to 300 of these are publications that have been commissioned and funded by the Trust. Topics include among others district systems development, drug supply management, human resource development, informatics, legislation, finance, environmental health, mental health, lessons learnt, nutrition and sexually transmitted diseases / HIV/AIDS. The main publication of the HST is the annual South African Health Review. From 2005 all HST publications will be available in low resolution only. To explore the range of publications HST offers use the Advanced search to search using a variety of criteria.

School Health Services offer an opportunity to access large numbers of children for interventions that can improve their health. School Health Services focus incorporates prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and referral of health problems. This is a vital contribution towards achieving Primary Health Care goals, particularly for this important target group of children and young people.

School Health Services are further supported by research from many countries of the world, which emphasizes that health and nutritional problems make a significant impact on school participation and performance (Leslie and Jamieson 1990)

KwaZulu-Natal is the third poorest province in South Africa with a population of about 9 million people of whom 97% speak Zulu at home. Of these 62% live in rural areas and many lack access to piped water, adequate sanitation and electricity. The province has over 5 000 schools with an enrolment of 2.8 million pupils. Many of these schools are situated in rural areas which have limited access to health facilities. In many cases, the health problems of pupils receive inadequate attention. The School Health Services has the important opportunity to provide on-site identification of health problems, treatment, referral, preventive and promotive health care for children who may otherwise not be reached by other health services.

The history of KwaZulu-Natal has had a significant impact on the current situation of School Health Services. Previously there were 5 different administrative structures with differing policies, resources and management. This project has come at a time when it will be possible assist in the development of a coordinated quality School Health Service, based on the principles of equity and efficiency.