The CRH has the vision to lead in creating new knowledge and capacity to support people-centered health systems in resource-limited areas.
The CRH aims to be a leader in creating new knowledge, practical solutions, and skilled people to help build strong and effective health systems. Our focus is on making health care more integrated and centred on people’s needs, especially in areas with limited resources, both in South Africa and around the world.
To achieve this, the CRH collaborates with key stakeholders to co-create, design, test and improve ideas that strengthen health systems. We follow a learning health system framework, which means we continuously use research and real-world experience to improve care.
Our work is supported by epidemiological studies that help us understand the health needs and risks faced by different communities. We also invest in supporting capacity building initiatives of the health workforce and developing and strengthening the skills of researchers who are passionate about making public health more people-centred.
CRH was formed in 1987 by the National Association of Medical and Dental Activists (NAMDA), an organisation which was formed in reaction to the Medical and Dental Association. At that point CRH was called CHESS (The Centre for Health and Social Studies); CRH was funded by foreign donors and the centre existed primarily for research and advocacy. CHESS was linked to the Department of Paediatrics under Professor Jerry Coovadia, and based at the University of Natal.
In 1994 Professor Hugh Philpott, a leading expert in Maternal Health took over directorship. Other key changes at this time included access to local funding, a change in the focus of the organisation’s interventions to the district health system, and a growing commitment to taking up the challenge of rural health care. In 1998 Professor Steve Reid, a rural health activist of long standing and experience, took over the helm.
In 2001 the name of the organisation changed to the Centre for Rural Health (CRH), expressing the organisation’s growing commitment to improving the health care offered to impoverished people living in rural and underserved areas.
2004 saw further change as a number of universities based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal merged to form the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). CRH is now located within the School of Nursing and Public Health within the college of Health Sciences.
Professor Inge Petersen assumed the role of Director in 2016.
The ambit of the CRH has since expanded to encompass the UKZN strategic thrust areas and includes research and programmes in Health Systems Strengthening, Human Resources for Health and Health and Social Justice.
CRH changes its name from the Centre for Rural Health to the Centre for Research in Health systems!
In 2023, following a 5-year review of the CRH a name change was recommended for the Centre to capitalise on its strategic strength – collaborative health systems strengthening across urban and rural areas.
After extensive consultation, the Centre’s name was changed to the ‘Centre for Research in Health systems’. The CRH acronym remains, since the CRH brand is widely known and trusted by our partners and communities in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
The CRH team is a passionate group of researchers, innovators and educators, working to strengthen people-centred health systems in resource-limited settings. We collaborate with communities and partners to co-create practical, evidence-based solutions, guided by a learning health system approach. Our work combines epidemiological and implementation research and capacity building to support better health care – locally and globally.
Collaborators/partners in South Africa
Collaborators/partners in Zimbabwe
Collaborators/partners in Ghana
Funders in Europe
Collaborators/partners in Europe
Funders in USA
Collaborators/partners in USA and Canada
