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.

This book provides information about the process of transformation of local government and what the devolution of health care to local government is likely to mean for the provision of health services. It has been written with health workers and legislators in mind, although it is likely to be of use to a wider audience including local government councillors and NGOs among others.

Legislators have a critical role in overseeing policy implementation and this book will contribute to equipping them to monitor the decentralisation of health care services. As with every major change, it is inevitable that some uncertainty is created. The process of transformation is not yet complete. There are still many areas that remain unclear and many decisions that need to be taken. This book provides a useful interim guide that helps to answer some of the numerous concerns and questions that are frequently being asked about what is happening.