Working together
Health systems are made up of a set of interconnected activities that develop over time and reflect local circumstances. They are driven by people of different experiences whose objectives are ultimately focused on improving the health of all people and ensuring social equity. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified six key building blocks within every health system.

These include governance, information, financing, service delivery, human resources, medicines and technologies. The WHO also points out that it is imperative to see that the health system “like any other system, is a set of interconnected parts that must function together to be effective. Changes in one area have repercussions for elsewhere. Improvements in one area cannot be achieved without contributions from others. Interaction between building blocks is essential for achieving better health outcomes”.

But health systems are ultimately powered by people and driven by their relationships. As in all other aspects of life, human interactions are challenging and unpredictable and need constant care. A major factor in health system dysfunction is weak interaction between people and activities, resulting in people working parallel but oblivious to each other. Reported drug stock-outs in our public health system are one example of such a health system breakdown.

Far from functioning as a huge machine-like structure, health systems are a dynamic human system with immense potential for innovation and creativity. These qualities are essential in being responsive to the huge array of different health needs and challenges that confront every system at an individual and population level. Understanding, defining and connecting people and activities within such systems is not an easy task, but is supported through Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR).

Blending expertise in economics, sociology, anthropology, political science, public health and epidemiology, this interdisciplinary form of research explores the complex relationships and forces between people within health systems. It informs health policy. It promotes real health systems transformation.

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