ABSTRACT
We report here on the process and findings of a research prioritisation exercise for universal health coverage (UHC) in South Africa, conducted during the course of 2019. As plans to roll out National Health Insurance (NHI) gather momentum and we transition into a pandemic recovery phase, we believe that it is now time to revisit these priorities, while recognising that experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic have revealed new system challenges and strengths and introduced new priorities. The UHC research priority-setting methodology followed a stepwise process of collation of evidence, expert brainstorming and the development of a survey completed by 68 members of the Public Health Association of South Africa. Themes related to leadership and governance were ranked most highly, and with other priorities generated, provide an initial road map of knowledge needs that could guide individual institutions and commissioning by funding bodies. We further reflect on the importance of researcher-decision-maker dialogue and strengthening the contribution of health policy and systems research to policy and practice, especially as new reforms are implemented.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Humans , Pandemics/prevention & control , South Africa , Delivery of Health Care , Health PolicyABSTRACT
Whey milk, a side-product of cheese production, is not utilized for human nutrition. Whey protein is of good nutritional quality with a high biological value, exceeding that of whole-milk protein. A whey milk product consisting of liquid whey milk 60%, whole cow's milk 40% and skimmed milk powder 0.5% was mixed, spray-dried and prepared in instant form. After reconstitution with water, it was compared with sterilized whole cow's milk for the initiation of cure in 30 acute kwashiorkor patients randomly allocated to the two feeds. The diets were given for 3 weeks. There were no statistically significant differences between the two diets with regard to weight gain or levels of serum albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea or haemoglobin. Judging from this limited investigation, whey milk deserves consideration for human utilization. Should economical production be possible, it could contribute towards preventing and treating protein energy malnutrition.
