HSW.ORG acts as a secretariat linking some of the best individuals and organisations in health systems and related fields.  It is not a conventional academic organisation or consultancy. 

Areas of work are defined in response to needs identified by HSW.ORG itself or by collaborators as a result of practical experience in developing country health systems.  The nature of this work includes fast assessments of innovative aspects of financing and delivery mechanisms, evidence reviews, and long term action study with public or private service delivery organisations.

Once a theme is identified, a brief HSW.ORG Consultation Paper is produced for consideration by a Review Panel assembled from acknowledged experts.  After refinement, protocols and teams are identified and work is coordinated by HSW.ORG.  Wherever possible, HSW.ORG works actively with selected governments and private sector organisations in countries to ensure that assessments and reviews influence policy and result in further action research through implementation and measurement.

All HSW.ORG work is freely available, and pro-actively disseminated to governments, private sector organisations and development agencies, and through the media.  Key health systems evidence based themes are monitored and occasional summaries and updates posted on the web site.