Health systems research at the University of Botswana: Working with the MoH Oathokwa Nkomazana

Health System Research Unit Build locally and regionally relevant research To develop capacity to support and conduct relevant health systems research Conduct training in Health Systems Research Conduct and facilitate Health Systems Research To establish a “Centre of Excellence” for health systems research Establish a Health Systems Research Centre (HSRC) Establish a platform for health-related policy dialogue in Botswana Build capacity for grant management and resource mobilization

BUILDING RESEARCH CAPACTY Research training (jointly with UB’s ORD and MoH HRU) Ethical conduct of research Strengthening IRB’s Health systems research Training graduate students, faculty and health professionals

Conduct and facilitate health systems research Selected research projects of public health significance in Botswana Paediatric mortality project Research team: MoH, UNICEF, University of Botswana (UB), Botswana Upenn Partnership (BUP), Hospitals Building a database of paediatric deaths Maternal mortality Research team: MoH, BUP, UB Audit of maternal deaths

RETENTION OF DOCTORS IN BOTSWANA First class of 36 medical students graduate in 2014 First class of residents: 3 pediatrics; 3 internal medicine 800 Batswana who graduated between 1997 – 2010 practice medicine outside Botswana 382 Batswana practice in Botswana

NUMBERS 4 doctors for 10 000 people 26 nurses for 10 000 people 2 pharmacists for 10 000 people 21 % (of 1820) doctors in BHPC Batswana 25% (4 417) health professionals registered by BHPC

WHY WILL THESE ONES STAY? Multi-stakeholder forum Focus on: Internship programme Residency programmes Career tracks

STAKEHOLDERS

MEDICAL STUDENTS

MEDICAL STUDENTS ABROAD

RESIDENTS

Batswana doctors in private and development partners

Wisdom of the Wise

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

Ministry of Education and Skills Development

Human Resources Advisory Council

National Strategy Office

Botswana Health Professions Council

University of Botswana Leadership

In-Country USG (CDC)

South/North Partners

RESULTS Steering committee set up Membership: students, junior doctors, residents, MoH leadership, Head of School, Batswana in diaspora, in private, BHPC, UB Som Faculty Many recommendations to prioritise and develop implementation plans Implementation research to monitor outcome.

BoMEPI THANK YOU