REGIONAL NETWORK FOR EQUITY IN HEALTH IN EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA The Regional Network for Equity in Health in Southern Africa (EQUINET) promotes policies for equity in health across a range of priority theme areas (See www.equinetafrica.org) EQUINET through the Health Economics Unit University of Cape Town, Cape Town South Africa invites applicants for two small research grants (of £1500 each) to undertake small-scale country level case studies on the implementation of equitable resource allocation. Applicants should come from countries that are currently implementing health care resource allocation based on a needs-based resource allocation formula or similar approach. This area of work contributes specifically to the ‘fair financing’ work which is one of EQUINET’s priority work areas. The proposal should focus on: · Progress in relation to changes in the distribution of resources between geographic areas; · Progress in relation to any other dimensions of equity in the allocation of resources; · Policy process experience during implementation of equitable resource allocation; · Experience of capacity to absorb budget increases in historically disadvantaged areas during redistribution and efforts to strengthen such capacity. The proposals must be submitted by 21 April 2006 and feedback on the grants will be provided to successful applicants by 2 May 2006. The country level research is expected to begin on 1 June 2006, and the final report is due on 31January 2007. The application should be made jointly by individuals and the institution they are affiliated to. Grants will only be awarded to institutions in the East and Southern Africa region. Applicants are expected to have experience in health, health equity, and health care financing. Those active in EQUINET work are encouraged to apply. Applications should include · A brief research proposal (including information on secondary data sources and planned interviews) · A brief CV of the applicant · The name of the institution that the applicant is affiliated to Applications be submitted to admin@equinetafrica.org and copied to vmutyam@heu.uct.ac.za with RESOURCE ALLOCATION GRANTS in the subject line or by fax to +27 21 448 8152 attention EQUINET RA grants by 21 April 2006. The focal point for queries on this programme is Vimbayi Mutyambizi at the Health Economics Unit University of Cape Town, Cape Town South Africa.