Future Health Systems is a research consortium working to improve access, affordability and quality of health services for the poor. We are a partnership of leading research institutes from across the globe working in a variety of contexts: in low-income countries (Bangladesh, Uganda), middle-income countries (China, India) and fragile states (Afghanistan) to build resilient health systems for the future. After a successful first five-year phase from 2006-2011, we are now in a new six-year phase of research, funded mainly by UK aid.
New to the wonderful world of health systems? Then this post is for you! Whether you're a wonk that needs to brush up, a student, a health care practitioner or just an interested and engaged citizen – this primer is full of everything you've ever needed to know about health systems and how they function around the world.
In recognition of the UN's International Day of Rural Women today -- 15 October -- we share stories of motherhood in rural Uganda. Compared to other countries, Uganda's maternal mortality rate is high. In 2010, it was estimated that 345 women died for every 100,000 births in the country (in the UK, that number is closer to 8.2!). In rural areas, that figure is even higher. Here are a few pictures that help to explain why (courtesy of a Photovoice research project undertaken by David Musoke at the Makerere University School of Public Health as part of Future Health Systems).
Yesterday the UK Parliament's International Development Committee heard oral evidence about the UK Department for International Development's (DFID's) efforts to improve health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). But why do health systems matter? And what is health systems strengthening anyway? Here are the top things you need to know.
New to the wonderful world of health systems? Then this post is for you! Whether you're a wonk that needs to brush up, a student, a health care practitioner or just an interested and engaged citizen – this primer is full of everything you've ever needed to know about health systems and how they function around the world.