Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #293  -  Comparative health systems research in the context of HIV/AIDS: Lessons from a multi-country study in South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia
Session:
  26.30: Posters B (Poster) on Tuesday   in  Chaired by
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Ms Suraya Dawad - Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
 
  Additional Authors:  Ms Nina Veenstra,  
Method / Issue:
ISSUES The purpose of this paper is to examine the usefulness of comparative multi-country HIV/AIDS research by drawing on experience from a pilot multi-country study in South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. This study responds to the heightened need for regional learning because of the regional nature of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the related challenges for health systems. It does this by utilising comparative research which may enable findings to be more generalisable, so preventing repeated mistakes at high costs. Furthermore, it is more convincing to policy-makers once successes have been demonstrated.
 
Results / Comments:
PROJECT In view of the potential insights to be obtained from comparative research in a context of HIV/AIDS, this pilot study endeavoured to explore a range of health sector issues such as structures and frameworks, decentralisation and the role of donors and partners, by using such research and, through partnerships with other research organisations in the region. The choice of countries yielded many interesting insights and a surprising degree of two-way learning. This learning challenged a common assumption that countries with a higher level of socio-economic development would be in a better position to cope with the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS, hence providing lessons for less developed countries. We found in many cases the opposite applied. Furthermore, we found that comparative, multi-country research has been underutilised as a means to inform health system development. South-south collaboration has been particularly underutilised, even though there have been clearly identified benefits of such endeavours. In addition, the identification of similar issues or concerns has provided managers with some degree of reassurance that they are not alone in their endeavours to cope with the changes resulting from HIV/AIDS. Finally, attention is drawn to the need for developing comparative frameworks.
 
Discussion:
LESSONS LEARNED By drawing on our experience from this pilot multi-country study, we demonstrate that it can be useful for affirming common issues faced by countries in the region, for determining preconditions for the success of health care reforms, and for developing research capacity. Furthermore, these benefits can be derived by all countries participating in such research, irrespective of differences in capacity or socio-economic development. These results support further engagement in comparative, multi-country HIV/AIDS research as a means to inform health system development, especially south-south collaborations. This pilot has subsequently informed a longer term research agenda.
 
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