Health systems for the 21st century

Health systems for the 21st century will have to respond to many challenges. This article indicates, against the background of health for all, which factors, both from within and outside, will influence health systems and what approaches and strategies are needed to address them. A strong emphasis will be placed on the government and its ministry of health. By improving the impact of its activities and interventions, by influencing the policies of other sectors and by creating partnerships for health, governments and the ministries of health should become real leaders for health.