Welcome to the Centre for Health Systems Research & Development

Background

The CHSR&D was established by Professor H.C.J. van Rensburg in 1993. Its activities are a continuation of a rich tradition of research and training in medical sociology/sociology of health and health care in the Department of Sociology. Founded specifically to address the need for social-scientific and operational research and related skills in the field of health and health care, the CHSR&D has displayed constant growth and expansion in terms of staffing, projects, the scope and diversity of R&D activities, and financial standing. After many years of successful operation, the Centre - amid ever-widening local, national and international research collaborations and partnerships - has commendable experience and expertise in a number of fields of study and methodological approaches.

Mission and goals

The CHSR&D is committed to efficiency, equity and equality in health and health care. It strives to contribute constructively towards optimising health services and the health of the people of South and southern Africa. The main goals of the Centre are to:

• Meet the need for social-scientific R&D skills in the field of health and health care.
• Generate and disseminate research findings and information in respect of health and health care.
• Assist in developing and restructuring health systems with a view to enhancing equity, equality, effectiveness and efficiency.
• Empower staff, students, clients and beneficiary groups through active involvement in R&D activities.
• Provide a platform for training and to expand expertise in the spheres of health systems R&D.

Nature and scope of work

Within the framework of the said broad goals, the CHSR&D perceives its role as being both to generate scientific knowledge and to act upon the prevailing policy, information and development needs in the health systems of the Free State Province and that of South Africa. The focus areas and activities of the Centre comprise seven main programmes, namely:

• HIV/AIDS/STIs, antiretroviral treatment, care and support, HIV counselling and testing, sexuality and reproductive health.
• Tuberculosis control and TB-HIV programme integration.
• Health information systems, health surveys and environmental profiling.
• Health systems research development.
• District health system development.
• Health policy, legislation and human rights.
• Health management and development.

Events in 2009

• Two completed projects
• Four ongoing projects
• One new project
• Eleven scientific journal articles
• Two volumes/chapters in books
• One published research report
• Eighteen international conference presentations
• Eleven national/local conference presentations
• Eight staff development initiatives
• Twelve visitors from institutions abroad
• One visit to institutions abroad
• Five visitors from national institutions