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UFS CHSR&D drives research to advance stronger health systems

21 October 2024 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Stephen Collett

Centre for Health Systems Research & Development team — For more than three decades, the Centre for Health Systems Research & Development (CHSR&D) has been actively involved in efforts to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes through its research and community engagement initiatives. Pictured are members of the CHSR&D team. From the left: Prof Gladys Kigozi-Male, Bridget Smit, Dr Ngwi Mulu, and Prof Michelle Engelbrecht. Absent, Prof Christo Heunis.

The Centre for Health Systems Research & Development (CHSR&D) at the University of the Free State (UFS) has played a key role in health systems research in South Africa. Established in 1993, the centre is built on a strong foundation of medical sociology and the sociology of health, addressing some of the most critical challenges in public health. For more than three decades, the centre has been actively involved in efforts to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes through its research and community engagement initiatives.

The centre’s primary mission is clear: to generate and disseminate scientific knowledge that informs and improves health policies, strategies, and practices at the local, provincial, and national levels. As health systems worldwide continue to grapple with new and emerging challenges, the CHSR&D has positioned itself as a critical resource for evidence-based solutions that drive progress towards improved health outcomes. The centre also provides postgraduate training and capacity building that contributes to expanding expertise in health, health systems, and health-care research and development.

Focus on priority health programmes

According to Prof Michelle Engelbrecht, Director of the centre and an Associate Professor, the CHSR&D’s research portfolio covers a wide range of issues that are critical to the development of a strong health system. “The centre focuses on areas such as public health policy implementation and operational functioning, human resources for health, occupational health, and priority health programmes such as tuberculosis (TB) and HIV prevention and control, sexual and reproductive health, as well as mental health. In response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, the centre prioritised research to enhance understanding of this global crisis. Notable studies from the past five years include COVID-19 vaccine literacy and acceptability, the psychological well-being of nurses during the second wave of COVID-19, and the impact of COVID-19 on essential health services in the Free State. Additionally, over the past five years, the centre has focused on the increased co-morbidity between TB and mental health, aiming to develop more holistic approaches to TB treatment towards improved TB programme performance.”

One of the CHSR&D's most impactful initiatives is its work in sexual and reproductive health, specifically its programme aimed at including men in the pregnancy and birth process. Historically, men have often been excluded from prenatal, childbirth, and postnatal care, which can negatively affect the health of mothers and babies. The centre is working to change this by advocating for men’s involvement in all stages of the pregnancy and birth process, creating a more supportive environment for expectant mothers and improving family health outcomes. By focusing on developing support systems and resources for men to participate actively in reproductive health, they are also working to shift policies and cultural norms that have traditionally sidelined male involvement in these critical moments.

As the world continues to confront the challenges posed by universal access to health care, South Africa is undertaking the greatest experiment ever in attempting to equalise access to quality health care by treating health care not as a commodity, but as a human right, namely through the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI). Prof Christo Heunis, also an Associate Professor in the centre, says that the CHSR&D’s work in these areas is more important than ever. “If NHI is to be successful, (public) health systems strengthening is required. Health-related research and development, as well as the capacity to conduct such research and development – to inform health systems strengthening – is the fundamental purpose of CHSR&D.”

Collaboration with communities

Engaging with the community is at the heart of the CHSR&D’s work. The centre has a long history of working with local communities to identify health priorities and develop solutions that are responsive to the needs of those they serve. Prof Gladys Kigozi-Male, an Associate Professor as well, notes that this commitment ensures that the centre's work is not only academically thorough, but also practically relevant and impactful.

The CHSR&D also works closely with key partners and collaborators to expand the reach and impact of its research. “The centre has a longstanding partnership with the Free State Department of Health and is actively involved in the Provincial Health Research Committee. These collaborations allow the centre to contribute to health systems strengthening in meaningful ways, particularly through citizen-centred assessment of public health-care service delivery,” adds Prof Kigozi-Male.

In addition to its local collaborations, the centre partners with international academic institutions such as the University of South Carolina (USA) and Makerere University in Kampala (Uganda). These partnerships enable the CHSR&D to exchange knowledge and best practices with global health experts, further enhancing the quality and impact of its research. Civil society organisations such as Mosamaria Aids Ministry, Sonke Gender Justice, and loveLife also play a critical role in the centre’s work, helping to bridge the gap between research and implementation on the ground.

Quality, reliability, and future goals

"At the Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, we align with the UFS’ Vision 130, which emphasises transformation and an outward approach. We are dedicated to engaging with local and regional communities, pursuing knowledge that addresses the needs and aspirations of the Free State, South Africa, and the broader African continent. Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and reliability in our research is unwavering. By employing a variety of methodological approaches – quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods – we ensure that our research findings are comprehensive and can confidently inform health policies and strategies," notes Prof Engelbrecht.

In conclusion, the CHSR&D remains a critical player in the landscape of public health research and development. Its commitment to high-quality research ensures that it will continue to drive progress in health systems development and improve health outcomes for the foreseeable future. CHSR&D staff are dedicated to providing high-quality postgraduate supervision, undertaking necessary research to strengthen health systems, producing internationally impactful publications, and remaining locally and regionally relevant.

News Archive

Workplace discrimination and unfair practices explored in new book

2017-09-13

Dr Denine Smit
Photo: Supplied

Two law scholars, Dr Denine Smit and Dr Damian Viviers, from the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently launched a book titled Vulnerable Employees, which was inspired by their interest in researching, creating awareness and providing a legal exposition in relation to employees who are vulnerable and experience prejudice and dignity violations in the workplace. These include workplace bullying, appearance-based discrimination, those who are gender fluid or have mental-health conditions.
“Dr Viviers, who is also a former student of mine, and I, have been working together for years and share a common understanding in relation to our various topics of interest. We often share the same train of thought. This is how we came to work together to produce this book,” said Dr Smit.

Research focused on employee challenges in the workplace
The book expands on the field of knowledge regarding certain categories of employees who, as a consequence of various mutable, immutable and semi-immutable characteristics, as well as behavioural experiences, are rendered vulnerable in their employment relationships. The book draws on various social, psychological and other empirical considerations, as well as comparative legal research from foreign and international law, in order to expand on the legal position under the South African legal framework governing these conditions. While the book first and foremost constitutes a compendium of research to be used for this purpose, it also serves as a practical guide for all legal practitioners, human resources managers, other labour stakeholders and the judiciary.

Book draws strength in other academic fields
Vulnerable Employees was launched on 28 July 2017 at the UFS library, to an audience of academics and students, with a panel discussion made up of the authors and two other panellists. One of the panellists was Dr Katinka Botha, a leading psychiatrist in the Free State who has a wealth of experience in this field. “Her selection as a panellist was motivated by the various significant inter-disciplinary considerations and intersections between psychology, psychiatry and law, contained in the book,” said Dr Smit.
“Dr Botha’s expertise was invaluable in shedding light on mental-health considerations during the panel discussion.”
Mr Lesley Mokgoro, the other panellist, is a leading labour law practitioner, as well as director and head of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group at Phatshoane Henney Attorneys. “His years of experience working with all role players in the employment domain, as well as his extensive legal knowledge and expertise, made him uniquely qualified to serve on the panel and deliver an opinion of the practical and academic value of the book,” said Dr Smit.

Workplace policies key to securing employee rights
There are a number of growing trends in the workplace that could shape the practice of labour law or workplace policies. Dr Smit said the need for employers to regulate workplace culture, particularly in relation to bullying, harassment and unfair discrimination, in line with the South African legal framework, was a fundamental need in all workplaces. Effective workplace policies may be used to clearly outline the relevant “dos and don’ts” to employees, as well as the procedures and processes that may be followed in order to address such conduct. Workplace policies serve to advance legal certainty and efficiency, since the rights and obligations of all role players are clearly demarcated, or should be, in terms of a well-drafted and considered policy.
The book is one of several publications produced by Dr Smit in collaboration with Dr Viviers on the topic of workplace discrimination and the law. The two scholars are working on another book to be published at the end of 2017.

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