Partnerships

MDPH Representatives with staff and VCT councilors

SA Partners health partnerships in the Eastern Cape have focused on building health infrastructure. We have prioritized partnerships that feature best practices in the United
States and can be used to help South Africa “leap frog” development challenges; benefiting from our learning process, particularly around HIV/AIDS.

SA Partners acts as a catalyst in the early stages of partnership development, by facilitating the initial planning and implementation of joint projects. As the U.S. and South Africa partners gain experience working together, SA Partners scales back its participation, allowing projects to adapt to the particular needs of each partner.

A recent strategic planning session with senior Eastern Cape government health department officials has restructured our approach to partnership development. Going forward, health partnerships will be categorized into four priority areas.

Clinical Support
Health professional exchanges that bring in specialty services and additional support to bridge staffing shortages.

Education/Training
In-service training, lecturing, and mentoring to increase capacity and deliver quality health services.

Information Technology and Data Management
Designing and implementing data capturing systems that will increase the reliability of data collected from health care facilities.

Research
Promoting international research projects and supporting targeted research designed to improve service delivery.