It is my great pleasure to introduce the 17th edition of the South African Health Review (SAHR), Health Systems Trust's annual digest of research on health policy development and reforms through the lens of implementation and intervention for systemic improvement.
As has been established in previous editions, this year's publication presents policy-makers, planners, health managers, researchers, and health and development organisations with analysis that is based on reliable data, scientifically and historically contextualised, and enriched with critical perspectives on what is needed for strategic progress towards optimal health outcomes.
In particular, this year's Review provides information on how we are faring with regard to PHC re-engineering and takes stock of some of the many achievements that have taken place in the health system over the past 20 years. To this end, commentary and analysis of a variety of subjects such as eHealth, cervical cancer, voluntary medical male circumcision, tuberculosis and environmental health are presented.
With immense pride, we announce that as of this year, the South African Health Review is officially accredited as a peer-reviewed publication with the Department of Higher Education.
We are grateful for the various ways in which the public health community has supported the production of the Review over the years leading to this prestigious achievement.
In keeping with our commitment to strengthen the public health capacity and expertise within the health arena, we are pleased to feature a chapter authored by the second winner of our Emerging Public Health Practitioner Award, in recognition of the best article submitted by a young and emerging public health professional for inclusion in the SAHR.
A strong group within HST, with support from a cadre of highly regarded peer reviewers and authors, has worked throughout the year to bring the Review to completion. On behalf of the Board, I extend our deep appreciation to all HST staff who were involved in the production of the Review, and to the authors, peer reviewers and SAHR Editorial Advisory Committee members who provided oversight and direction to the editorial team.
The collective input of the authors, internal and external peer reviewers, and the Editorial Advisory Committee has enabled us to put together a publication that reflects a diverse range of thought and information.
As ever, we are immeasurably grateful to the National Department of Health for supporting the production of this Review.
We trust that you will find this edition a useful contribution to building health systems in South Africa.