title: Research in support of health systems transformation in South Africa: the experience of the Centre for Health Policy.
abstract: We describe the role and experience of the Centre for Health Policy (CHP), a university-based research unit established in 1987, in influencing and supporting health systems transformation in South Africa over two decades. During 2010, we analyzed relevant documents and conducted interviews with 25 key informants. CHP's research has contributed directly to health policy development and implementation while also changing the way government understood or approached policy issues. Key success factors for policy influence are: research quality and trustworthiness, strategic alliances and networking, and capacity building. CHP's challenges include identifying new funding sources and sustaining a high public profile. The lessons for other countries are to: conduct good quality, relevant research based on strong ethical values; build and maintain open and honest relationships with government; recognize and adapt to changes in the policy environment; develop capacity as part of a continuous programme; and seek core funding that ensures research independence and public accountability.
authors: Centre for Health Policy & Medical Research Council Health Policy Research Group, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Private Bag X3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa. laetitia.rispel@wits.ac.za
authors: Laetitia C
authors: LC
authors: Rispel
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Doherty
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006291:Health Policy; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D013019:South Africa