What does it take to transform primary health care in a complex and evolving health system?
South Africa is undertaking important reforms to strengthen its health system and primary health care (PHC) platform. Over the past 15 years, the country has made substantial progress in managing HIV, tuberculosis, and a growing range of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. With strengthened, integrated PHC and continued steps towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), South Africa is working to strengthen a health system that puts people at the center of care.
In the next episode of the Health in Africa Series, Ms Jeanette R. Hunter, Deputy Director General, National Department of Health, South Africa, will share key insights from the country’s health reform journey, the strategies shaping care delivery, and lessons from South Africa’s experience that may inform PHC strengthening efforts across African health systems.
What You Will Learn:
- The evolution of South Africa’s disease burden and key health trends over the past decade.
- Innovative approaches in community and facility-based PHC, including the Community Health Worker programme, school health services, and environmental health initiatives.
- Lessons for achieving integrated, person-centered care that can be adapted across African health systems.
Join policy makers, health implementers, NGOs, civil society actors, and academic leaders to learn from one of South Africa’s foremost health system leaders about building stronger and more responsive primary health care systems.
Speaker
Deputy Director General, National Department of Health, South Africa
Ms. Jeanette Hunter is the Deputy Director General for Primary Health Care at the National Department of Health (NDoH) of South Africa and has worked in senior management positions in and outside of the public sector for the past 30 years. Successful application of theory and an understanding of the service delivery environment have enabled her to lead the development and implementation of key health system strengthening policies and strategies in South Africa.
More News & Events
Skip scroller content
From Clinic to Country: Building Ethiopia’s First Integrated Model for Older Adult Health
What began with one doctor questioning fragmented care for older adults has grown into a pioneering model for Ethiopia. With leadership skills strengthened through the IMIx Certificate, Dr. Asrat built an integrated clinic now informing the country’s healthy aging efforts.
Apply for the Fully-Funded Healthy Futures South Africa (HFSA) PhD Fellowship Programme
This four-year programme supports emerging African health researchers and leaders to conduct community-focused research, strengthen health systems, and translate evidence into meaningful policy impact.
Ubuntu Rising Centres Youth Leadership, Innovation and Employment in Africa’s Health Future
More than 80 young health professionals, innovators and leaders gathered at Ubuntu Rising to advance youth leadership, innovation and employment. Their nine recommendations will inform the Africa Health Collaborative’s Youth Agenda and strengthen pathways for young people across Africa’s health ecosystem.
Advancing Health Equity in Africa: How Universities, Civil Society, and Communities Can Strengthen Primary Health Care
In the next HiAS, we explore how governments, universities, civil society and communities can work together to strengthen PHC and advance UHC in Africa, drawing on practical experiences, community engagement and lessons for building more equitable, resilient and people-centred health systems.
Emerging Leaders’ Day: From Youth Participation to Youth Influence
Emerging Leaders’ Day will bring together young health leaders from across Africa to build leadership skills, strengthen networks, and influence conversations shaping the future of health systems.
Leading Change Through Lived Experience
Across Africa, an emerging generation of health leaders is transforming personal challenges into powerful innovations. Through the AHC’s Young Leaders Committee, young researchers, entrepreneurs, technologists, and advocates are drawing on lived experiences with illness, caregiving, mental health, and healthcare inequities to design solutions that strengthen health systems and expand access to care.
2027-2028 Doctor of Public Health Scholarships Open
We are pleased to announce the start of the 2027-2028 Mastercard Foundation graduate scholarship recruitment at the University of Toronto. This doctoral scholarship opportunity is open to recent alumni and graduating students at our Africa Health Collaborative partner universities. These graduate scholarships will be awarded to individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence in associated health-related disciplines […]
Health Innovation as a Pathway to Africa’s Health Sovereignty
Join the next HiAS as Dr. Robert Karanja explores how talent, research, investment, policy, and partnerships can unlock Africa’s potential in digital health, biotechnology, and deep-tech innovation.
Apply for Research Seed Grants from Moi University and the University of Toronto
Apply for the Research Seed Grants by Moi University and the University of Toronto. Eligible researchers can receive up to CAD $5,000 in seed funding to strengthen research capacity, generate new knowledge, and foster long-term institutional collaborations.
Ubuntu Rising: A Youth Leadership Summit for Africa’s Health Future
Ahead of the 18th World Congress on Public Health, Ubuntu Rising will bring together young African health leaders, innovators, and changemakers to co-create a shared agenda for youth leadership, employment, and innovation in health across the continent.