Learning health systems: bridging knowledge and practice
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The South African Health Review (SAHR) invites submissions for its 2025 edition.
This edition seeks to explore successful health systems reform experiences within the country and draw from good
practices and exemplary implementation across the provinces. The 2025 edition aims to identify practical ways to
enhance specific aspects of the health system in the short term, while aligning with the broader reforms needed to
achieve universal health coverage.
Preference will be given to papers that explore:
• capacity building: developing the workforce and infrastructure necessary for learning health systems
• barriers and challenges: identifying and addressing obstacles to adopting learning health systems in South Africa
• advancing the development of the National Digital Health Strategy and developing an effective national health
information system
• collaboration between the public and private sector and communities to improve access, coverage and quality of
health services
• innovations in hospitals and hospital services – beyond primary care
• addressing social determinants of health and health promotion
• tackling injuries, trauma and violence
• enhancing access to health technology, medicines, essential equipment
• improving leadership accountability and technical competence
• promoting readiness for epidemics, health emergencies and climate change
Papers must demonstrate effective/results-based implementation strategies that can be successfully transferred to other settings.
Please take note of the following:
• The body of the abstract may not exceed 300 words.
• To submit an abstract, please use our online template (https://forms.gle/6mFUMVVrhNdEtrCP8)
• Submission of an abstract to the SAHR does not guarantee acceptance. All abstracts will undergo a systematic selection process.
For more information, visit: www.hst.org.za/sahr or contact sahr@hst.org.za
Deadline for abstract submissions: Monday, 31 March 2025
The South African Health Review is a peer-reviewed publication accredited with the Department of Higher Education and Training, and published by Health Systems Trust. The aims of the SAHR are to advance the sharing of the knowledge, feature critical commentary on policy implementation, and offer empirical studies for improving South Africa’s health system.
Emma-Louise Mackie
SAHR Project Coordinator
082 932 4889
emma.mackie@hst.org.za
Download the 2021 SAHR here.
HIFA profile: Emma-Louise Mackie is a South African Health Review Coordinator for Health Systems Trust in South Africa. Professional interests: Health systems, health policy and implementation, public health, universal health coverage, national health insurance, equitable healthcare. Email address: sahr AT hst.org.za