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Strengthening mental health system governance in six low- and middle-income countries in Africa and South Asia: challenges, needs and potential strategies

PETERSEN, Inge
et al
February 2017

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The aim of this study was to identify key governance issues that need to be addressed to facilitate the integration of mental health services into general health care in the six participating "Emerald" countries (Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda).  The study adopted a descriptive qualitative approach, using framework analysis. Purposive sampling was used to recruit a range of key informants, to ensure views were elicited on all the governance issues within the expanded framework. Key informants across the six countries included policy makers at the national level in the Department/Ministry of Health; provincial coordinators and planners in primary health care and mental health; and district-level managers of primary and mental health care services. A total of 141 key informants were interviewed across the six countries. Data were transcribed (and where necessary, translated into English) and analysed thematically using framework analysis, first at the country level, then synthesised at a cross-country level.

South African cities and HIV/AIDS : challenges and responses

SOUTH AFRICAN CITIES NETWORK (SACN)
2004

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This is the first ever assessment on how South Africa's nine largest cities are managing HIV/AIDS. The report summarises the challenges faced by these cities and outlines the innovative responses developed by municipalities and city stakeholders. The report highlights that the most effective programmes have been those that succeeded in transcending the gap between policy development and consistent implementation. The challenges highlighted in the study are likely to become more acute in the near future. The report lists a number of key strategies that cities should adopt in the development of a comprehensive response to HIV/AIDS. These include taking stock of the current HIV/AIDS programmes that are being implemented in the cities; linking HIV programming with other development issues; developing clear guidelines for the mainstreaming of HIV/AIDS; and developing stronger intergovernmental relations with provincial and national government levels

What's news : perspectives on HIV/AIDS in the South African media

STEIN, Jo
2002

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This report describes a research project which aimed to not only describe but to influence media practices with reference to HIV and AIDS. It sought to move beyond a consideration of media content, to include an understanding of the context, the actors and the processes involved in facilitating effective media advocacy. It reveals a tension between information provision and agenda-setting advocacy, and concludes with suggestions of areas where training and capacity development strategies could have an impact

The value of advocacy in promoting social change : implementing the new Domestic Violence Act in South Africa

USDIN, Shereen
CHRISTOFIDES, Nicola
MALEPE, Lebo
MAKER, Aadielah
November 2000

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This paper describes an advocacy campaign to ensure the effective implementation of South Africa's Domestic Violence Act. Lessons from the campaign stress the importance of coalition building to draw on diverse strengths, and the use of a combination of advocacy tools, including lobbying, media advocacy and social mobilisation to achieve campaign goals. While many advocacy efforts focus on the development of policy and legislation, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure effective implementation, the commitment of adequate resources and monitoring to identify gaps and propose new solutions. The experience presented highlights the important role of policy advocates in connecting the multiple streams at play in the policy and legislative arena

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