A network for better African health systems research
Health ministers and the World Health Organization (WHO) have recognised the need to improve research and analysis in HPSs in Africa. Currently, few scientists work in this field, and few universities offer relevant training. In addition, policymakers are often unaware of relevant research. The project CHEPSAA (Consortium for health policy and systems analysis in Africa) was established to tackle these issues, by assessing the current African HPSs research capacity and assets, and by identifying gaps where alliances between Africa and Europe can increase research capacity and competence. Researchers identified that HPSs research should be better integrated into postgraduate education. They found that educating research leaders and developing a holistic HPSs research and analysis (HPSR+A) vision was a good way to build global awareness. CHEPSAA researchers developed tools to assess capacity for HPSs research in African countries. These tools were then put to use in African partner institutes to better understand the current situation. The project successfully launched an Emerging Leaders Programme (ELP), two open access Master's-level courses on HPSR+A, and workshops to further develop the curriculum for HPSR+A. Twenty-six young African researchers participated in the ELP, and the open access coursework has been downloaded in 40 countries. CHEPSAA aims to help African researchers become better equipped to provide training and conduct research in HPSs, as well as engage with policymakers. The project has built on existing knowledge of HPSR+A and is on track to meet its goal of strengthening HPSR+A in Africa. A larger and better-educated African community of HPSR+A researchers, educators and policymakers will ultimately help improve health systems in Africa.
Keywords
Health systems, health policy, health policy and systems, Africa, research capacity, HPSR+A
