Annual Report 2009/2010

Message from the Chairperson

The recent global economic crisis has brought home a renewed realisation of the importance of good leadership. Leaders all over the globe are, rightly, stepping up to the plate. From President Jacob Zumas announcement on World AIDS Day, 1 December 2009, to scale up the fight against HIV and AIDS in South Africa, to President Barack Obama spearheading health reform in the United States through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act passed into law on 23 March 2010.
 
With unyielding commitment to the primary health care approach HST has, during the year being reported on, continued the work that has seen the organisation establish itself firmly as a leader in health systems improvement in South Africa.

In October 2009 HST, as part of a consortium, started a health systems improvement project in Lesotho, thus building on our objective to extend our services into the southern African region. The staff of HST plan, execute and evaluate relevant projects within the framework of the policies and plans articulated by government through the Ministry and the Health Systems Trust Boad of Trustees Department of Health. Staff are also well aware that the rigorous involvement of communities in their own health care is a key success factor in striving towards health systems improvement.

It is my honour, as chairperson of the Board of Trustees, to lead the team of men and women who provide guidance and support to HST management and staff in their commitment to facilitate better health outcomes for the people of southern Africa. To my fellow Trustees I extend my appreciation for your tremendous support to HST during this year. During this year Ms Seadimo Chaba and Dr David Serwadda completed their term and the Board was bolstered by the appointment of Dr Maureen Tong and Ms Gcwalisile Twala.

On behalf of the Board I thank our implementation partners as well as all our funders (acknowledged in the report) who have generously supported the work of the organisation during this year. Thank you, too, to all HST staff for your hard work and dedication.

Professor Welile Shasha
Chairperson
Health Systems Trust Board of Trustees