Table 1

Contextual factors contributing to the choice of countries

Similarities across chosen countries
Differences across chosen countries

• Within the region of sub-Saharan Africa
• High HIV prevalence – between 6.5% in Tanzania and 18.8% in South Africa [12]
• Reforms aspiring to model of decentralised management and primary health care
• Socio-economic status and health sector capacity – amount spent on health ranging between US$29 PPP (Tanzania) and US$669 PPP (South Africa) per capita [13]
• Extent of health sector reforms – South Africa and Zambia described as 'radical reformers' because of the comprehensive reform strategies adopted in the health sector [14]

Dawad and Veenstra Health Research Policy and Systems 2007 5:13   doi:10.1186/1478-4505-5-13