Health Economics and Financing Short Course
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2nd to 20th November 1998
Johannesburg, South Africa
Centre for Health Policy, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
and Health Economics Unit, Department of Community Health, University
of Cape Town, South Africa
BACKGROUND TO PROGRAMME
There are presently limited opportunities for health economics study
within Africa. In recognition of the need to develop health economics,
financing and planning capacity in African countries, the Centre for
Health Policy at the University of the Witwatersrand and the Health
Economics Unit at the University of Cape Town will be offering a three
week short course in November 1998. This course focuses on health sec-
tor financing and organisational reforms, and budgeting and planning
processes, and is based on similar courses offered internationally. The
content is applied, and case study materials, based on recent health
sector reform initiatives in a range of African countries, have been
specifically developed for this course.
TARGET AUDIENCE
This course is primarily aimed at senior and mid-level managers within
the public health sector and within non-governmental agencies. This
course may also be of interest to researchers and other groups who work
closely with health authorities. Course participants will be drawn from
a range of African countries. Fluency in English is required for this
course, but no previous economics background is required.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The short course aims to equip health sector managers to apply basic
tools of economic evaluation to the health sector.
The objectives of this course are to:
* provide an introduction to health policy;
* provide an overview of recent health sector financing and organisa-
tional reform initiatives; * develop skills in documenting health
care expenditure and compiling routine National Health Accounts;
* provide an understanding of alternative methods of financing and pay-
ing for health services, and to develop skills for analysing these
alternatives within specific country contexts;
* develop skills in health sector planning, with particular reference
to budgeting and the allocation of resources for health care provi-
sion; and
* develop skills in selecting and applying appropriate tools of eco-
nomic analysis to evaluate the inputs, processes and outcomes of
health services, programmes and policies.
These issues will be addressed with reference to low- and middle-income
countries, particularly within the African context.
COURSE STRUCTURE AND TEACHING METHODS
This course has an applied focus. It combines formal instruction with
exercises and group work to review case studies. The course demands ac-
tive student participation and individual after-hours study.
Using the skills and analytical approaches introduced during the
course, participants will also be required to prepare an analysis of
one country's health system situation. To undertake this task they are
requested to bring the following information to the course (either re-
lating to their country of origin or another low- or middle-income
country in which they have an interest):
* Basic socio-economic indicators and data on morbidity and mortality;
* Description of how health services are provided and data on health
facilities and personnel;
* Data on health care expenditure, including the public/private sector
mix and the distribution between levels of care.
* Information on recent health sector reform initiatives; and
* Information on they key groups involved in health sector reform and
their particular concerns and interests.
TEACHING STAFF
The course will be taught by staff of the Centre for Health Policy
(University of the Witwatersrand), the Health Economics Unit (Univer-
sity of Cape Town), and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medi-
cine. These academics have experience of health sector work in a wide
range of African countries, as well as knowledge of other settings.
COURSE DETAILS
The course fee is US$ 2,000. Accommodation, meals and transport to the
teaching venue can be arranged at an extra cost of US$ 60 per day.
Applications should include the following information:
1. Details of educational background;
2. Details of current and past work experience;
3. A brief description of your reasons for wanting to attend the
course; and
4. Full contact details, including a facsimile number.
Please use the above format and ensure that all the information re-
quested is included in your application. Letters of acceptance will be
faxed to applicants by 7th August 1998, to allow adequate time for the
processing of visa applications. We recommend that applicants approach
donor organisations for bursary support at an early stage.
Applications close 17th July.
Applications should be sent by mail or fax to:
Health Financing and Economics
Centre for Health Policy
PO Box 1038,
Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA
Fax: +27-11-489-9900
Further information on the course content can be obtained from:
Dr R Neil Soderlund
Centre for Health Policy,
University of Witwatersrand
P.O. Box 1038 Johannesburg,2000 South Africa
Street address: corner De Korte and Hospital Streets
Hillbrow, Johannesburg
Tel: +27-21-489-9883/9941
Fax: +27-21-448-9900
mailto:lgilson@iafrica.com or
mailto:soderlun@icon.co.za
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