Comparative health systems research in a context of HIV/AIDS: lessons from a multi-country study in South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia
Dawad, S; Veenstra , N / 2007

This report from Health Research Policy and Systems Journal states that comparative, multi-country research has been underutilised as a means to inform health system expansion in the developing world. The authors argue that in the context of HIV/AIDS, the need for regional learning has increased because of the regional nature of migration and its contribution to disease spread. The report shows how comparative research conducted in South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia was useful in determining preconditions for successful health care reforms, identifying common issues faced by countries in the region, and developing research capacity. These benefits are available to all countries participating in such research, irrespective of differences in capacity or socio-economic development.