The broad picture: Health status and determinants

This article demonstrates South Africa's need of a much improved National Health Information System. It is of the utmost importance to establish this in order to monitor the impact of policy changes in South Africa. The system also needs to be able to monitor inequalities in health - not only on the basis of race but also on the basis of poverty and urban/rural differences. The broad picture; however; reveals numerous health problems. While attempts to extend basic primary care to all who need it will be particularly important; a more comprehensive approach including more preventive and health initiatives is still needed