Operational Research

Operational Research (OR) is a key component to HPF programming in South Sudan. HPF OR aims at providing answers on ‘what works, for whom, and under what circumstances’ throughout the course of the programme. The importance of OR is its ability to address and solve local problems in delivering quality health services which is vital to the strengthening of health programmes. An essential starting point is to identify the problems that impede on the provision of high-quality services, analyse why these problems occur and to formulate and adopt policies and practices to overcome them, hence, contributing to learning and improvement of the health care system.

The key thematic areas identified for research during the implementation of HPF 3 programme include but not limited to:

• Community engagement and community health services delivery (with main focus on Boma health initiative)
• Quality improvement of primary health care services delivery (including mental health and disabilities)
• Human resources for health
• Supply chain management of medical drugs and supplies (including last mile delivery)

The outcomes from Operational research will contribute to knowledge and learning within the HPF programme. The HPF supported studies are published in well-known scientific journals, and openly available to researchers and the global community.