Neglected Health Systems Research: Health Policy and Systems Research in Conflict-Affected Fragile States

nConflict-affected fragile states have some of the worst health indicators in the world and are farthest from meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Moreover, their characteristics make it challenging to accelerate progress against the MDGs. They have very low and often declining economic growth, and high rates of relapse into conflict. nThere is a scarcity of research into their health systems, and on how to work effectively within their governance and resource constraints, despite the fact that more effective health services are urgently needed. nIt is important to do more research to improve the health outcomes of conflict-affected populations, and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery in these very resource constrained settings. nInnovations in the organization and management of health service delivery and financing in conflict-affected environments should receive more substantial health policy and systems research. More research is also needed on the effectiveness of aid with respect to the health system, and the links between health, governance, and stat