Strengthening health policy development and management systems in low- and middle- income countries: South Africa's approach

The development and management of health policies, strategies and guidelines (collectively, policies) in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are often ad hoc and fragmented due to resource constraints a variety of other reasons within ministries of health. The ad hoc nature of these policy processes can undermine the quality of health policy analysis, decision-making and ultimately public health program implementation. To identify potential areas for policy system strengthening, we reviewed the literature to identify potential best practices for ministries and departments of health in LMICs regarding the development and management of health policies. This review led us to identify 34 potential best practices for health policy systems categorized across all five stages of the health policy process. While our review focused on best practices for ministries of health in LMICs, many of these proposed best practices may be applicable to policy processes in high income countries. After presenting these 34 potential best practices, we discuss the potential of operationalizing these potential best practices at ministries of health through the adoption of policy development and management manuals and policy information management systems using the South Africa National Department of Health's experience as an example.