Publications
HST provides free electronic access to over 500 health systems research related reports, publications and papers. Close to 300 of these are publications that have been commissioned and funded by the Trust. Topics include among others district systems development, drug supply management, human resource development, informatics, legislation, finance, environmental health, mental health, lessons learnt, nutrition and sexually transmitted diseases / HIV/AIDS. The main publication of the HST is the annual South African Health Review. From 2005 all HST publications will be available in low resolution only. To explore the range of publications HST offers use the Advanced search to search using a variety of criteria.

The National Health Accounts were undertaken, providing an overview of financing and expenditure in both private and public sector care. And, as can be evidenced by the frequent references to HIV/AIDS in many chapters of this Review, the impact of the epidemic began to be felt in almost every aspect of the health system. This first South African Health Review of the millenium aims to provide a combination of detailed information on health status and health care coupled with in-depth analysis of policies and practices affecting the provision of health services in South Africa. Recent Reviews have been characterised by a particular focus on policy implementation and this is maintained, as is an emphasis on equity, especially in regards to financing and expenditure.

In 1997, again in 1998, and most recently in 2000, the Health Systems Trust commissioned a survey of primary health care facilities. The survey forms part of an ongoing monitoring of progress in implementing Primary Health Care. Key findings from the Survey are provided in the Review, and they provide a unique insight to quality of care in public sector clinics in South Africa.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic does not only affect those with living with HIV, their families and carers, it also places a huge burden on staff in clinics and hospitals who are providing care, often in less than ideal circumstances, and on health service planners and managers faced with competing demands for resources. The successes identified in this Review are testament to the commitment, dedication and hard work of health service staff.

Producing a Review of substance on an annual basis is not an easy task. The Board of Trustees of the Health Systems Trust wishes to thank the many researchers, writers and reviewers, as well as the staff of the Health Systems Trust who have dedicated time and effort to the 2000 South African Health Review.