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.

Local government in South Africa has been undergoing significant changes in the last few years. Our new Constitution gives expanded responsibilities to local government and new policies are being implemented which will change the way municipalities function. 1 It is important to understand these changes, because whether you are from a non-governmental organisation, a private company, or a government department, it is likely that the new policy and legislation will have an impact on your work.

The changes in local government will have a significant influence on the health sector, for local government currently delivers some health services and will play an important role in the district health system which is being established (the role may differ according to the municipality). Furthermore, local government is in an excellent position to mobilise communities and to facilitate the interaction between different role-players in the health sector, such as national government, provincial government, and the private sector, as well as other sectors such as housing and water affairs.