Global perspectives on health policy development: from evidence to policy

Abstract

The International Visiting Fellowship allowed me to gain an insight into the activities and interests of a variety of Australian stakeholders, institutions and interest groups in the areas of public health policy, the role of primary health care in health systems strengthening, and in global health governance. In many ways the problems identified in low- and middle-income countries are also reflected in the challenges facing the Australian health care system, especially in the context of ongoing reforms. At the same time, there are also important differences. For example, the issue of concern around PHC in Australia are centred mainly around clinical practice whereas in the developing countries the focus is very much on systemic aspects of PHC.