Since we began our South Africa program in 1987, the Foundation's priorities and programs have shifted as political circumstances in South Africa have changed. But the main goal of our South Africa program has remained the same which is to develop the people, plans and programs to help establish a more equitable national health system and a successful democracy.

Since the first democratic elections in 1994, the South African government has been faced with huge challenges as it restructures and establishes the framework for a more equitable national health system. According to the 2002 South African Health Review report, published by the Health Systems Trust, issues such as the impact of the AIDS epidemic, lack of adequate support systems and resources, dwindling public sector funding, and an exodus of health workers from the public sector continue to overwhelm the system.

The Foundation works closely with the South African government and other non-government and private sector partners to provide the essential information on which government health policy and program plans are made. We supported the development of a charter of patients' rights which the government has adopted. Our work has also facilitated decentralization of health management to district level nationally as well as helped train top-level health officials. We have also established key national resources in reproductive health, child health and health systems development. More recently, our work has focused on helping South Africa curtail the HIV/AIDS epidemic through development of effective national prevention and treatment programs through the public health system.

More about the Kaiser Family Foundation's Program for Health and Development in South Africa.