We are proud to have Professor Laetitia C. Rispel as the guest editor of this edition. Professor Rispel was involved in conceptualising and contributing to the first SAHR in 1995, and it is fitting that she serves as the guest editor of this 21st edition.
While the central focus of the 2018 Review is human resources for health (HRH), this edition also provides analysis and commentary on other important topics in our national discourse on citizen health and the responsiveness of the health system. Chapters on mental health, quality improvement, management of infectious and communicable diseases, and increase in ‘obesogenic’ environments have been included. These illustrate the complexity of health systems and the range of issues that need to be addressed in order to achieve universal health coverage in South Africa.
A strong group within the HST, supported by a cadre of highly regarded peer reviewers and authors, have worked through the year to bring the Review to completion. On behalf of the Board, I extend our deep appreciation to all HST staff involved in producing the Review, to the authors and peer reviewers, and the SAHR Editorial Advisory Committee members who provided oversight and direction to the editorial team.
The collective input of internal and external peer reviewers, and the willingness of authors to accommodate collegial feedback and editorial comment, have strengthened the publication.
As always, we are grateful to the South African National Department of Health for supporting the production of the Review.
We feel confident that the 2018 SAHR will serve as a key resource and departure point in advancing the development of HRH in the journey to universal health coverage.
Chapters 1 – 14 of the SAHR 2018 are also available in a concise format as part of our Kwik Skwiz series (Volume 5). Click here to view the summaries.