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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.

Editorial

Like health, good nutrition is the outcome of many and multiple factors. Nutrition is affected by the policies and activities of numerous sectors, including agriculture, finance, health, education, water and environmental affairs and welfare.

That is why problems of poor nutrition in South African communities need to be addressed in a comprehensive and integrated manner, and a previous editorial has argued for leadership from the Health Ministry in developing a common national strategy for good nutrition in South Africa.

But many would argue there are two tried-and-tested strategies which scream out to be implemented now, because they give real value-for-money. These are mass deworming programmes in areas of endemic parasite infestation and the compulsory fortification of basic foodstuffs with critical micronutrients. Those pushing for mass deworming argue that a well-designed programme would cost a fraction of expenditure on the Primary School Nutrition Programme, and would enhance its effectiveness considerably. Fewer worms means that each pupil has to share less of his or her sandwich with the guests of the gut.

Some foods are fortified in South Africa, but experience from other countries shows that a systematic programme of fortification is a very cost-effective way of getting essential micronutrients to those who are deficient.

There are logistical difficulties in implementing these strategies, but none so complex and overwhelming as those associated with the Primary School Nutrition Programme (PSNP). With careful planning, these strategies can be implemented quite quickly. Authors of articles in this issue argue that both strategies make economic and nutritional sense. The commitment of government to the PSNP shows that good nutrition remains high on its agenda. Mass deworming and food fortification, protagonists argue, would make good sense.