Devex: Opinion: Health systems research is critical to tackle the global burden of disease
Adnan Hyder, director of the health systems program and associate chair of the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and board member of Health Systems Global

“…Strategic health systems research can help us anticipate and respond to the burden of all [non-communicable diseases (NCDs)] in [low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)], with interventions designed and delivered for maximum benefit in these settings. … Health systems can use innovative health technology to gather data in order to tackle NCDs, especially since early deaths from diabetes and other chronic conditions are preventable. Mobile health technology leverages digital health technology to target risk behaviors. … The daunting burden of NCDs and other global health challenges cannot be lightened by innovative technology. We need political will and commitment to implement and ensure equitable access to these innovations. There needs to be a deep understanding of the social factors that shape personal and public health to create sustainable, resilient, and community-oriented solutions. In essence, we need health systems research to do this” (11/15).