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At the University of the Witwatersrand, we are driven by a deep passion for elevating the field of health systems science within the South African context. Our interdisciplinary team firmly believes that Health Systems Science in South Africa should reflect its unique identity and contribute to solving the country's specific health challenges with innovative local thinking. 

Recognising the intersection between HSS and MHH, we recognise the need to reimagine the research approach in Health Systems Science. Instead of solely focusing on efficiency and cost-saving measures, we strive to conduct research that ultimately leads to a more humanistic health system (kinder, gentler, caring). Therefore, our emphasis in research lies in crafting solutions that prioritize human well-being, compassion, and equitable access to quality healthcare while the emphasise may be on seeing health systems through this lenses, others of data analytics, value-based care and others are relevant. Figure 1 below highlights the lenses through which we aim to study the South African health system. 

The Wits HSS Lenses that we use to study the health system with the aim of creating more humanistic health systems.  

 Through our dedicated efforts of creating programmes in HSS, we seek to establish Health Systems Science more prominently in South Africa, empowering people to lead the way in shaping a healthcare landscape that is not only efficient but also deeply compassionate and responsive to the needs of the people it serves. Join us in our mission to revolutionize Health Systems Science in South Africa, as we pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for all. Together, we can make a significant impact on the well-being of our nation. 

Our goals and objectives 

• Promote equity and transformation in health systems.
• Promote responsible leadership and ethical decision-making.
• Play a leadership role in improving quality in the health system.
• Attain a broad understanding of the core disciplines of Health Systems Science
• Develop expertise in at least one area within the broad field of Health Systems
• Leadership. 
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of health, the health care system and public health problems.
• Develop skills to managed complex adaptive systems.
• Develop 21st Century competencies such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork etc.
• Develop research skills for Quality Improvement and leading research- scholar.
• Promote collaboration and teamwork in the organisation - collaborator. 
• Develop communication skills to enhance communication in the organisation communicator. 
• Gain work-experience and practical application through professional experience placements 

Throughout the course students will explore a wide range of topics: 

• The political, economic, cultural and ethical aspects of healthcare improvements. 
• The importance, scope and significance of the strategic business process applied to  health systems. 
• The different perspectives by which to understand the burdens of disease, including  learning an epidemiological, historical, and management approach to enhance this  understanding. 
• The theories and concepts utilised for effective project management.
• Responsive decision-making by considering the complexity of the health system.