ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN

The closing date for abstract submissions is 28 February 2025

Important information to note regarding the final paper and deadlines.

• Deadline for Abstract submissions no later than 28 February 2025
• Deadline for the first draft paper submission is no later than 28 March 2025
• Deadline for the final draft after peer reviews should be submitted by 16 April 2025
• All details regarding your peer reviewer will be sent to you in due course.
• The final paper should be pitched at a level that is accessible to an audience that is not very technical yet at the same time be based on strong scientific evidence.

Theme

For this year’s conference theme, we are all about collaboration and the future “Collaborating for value – Partnerships transforming the future of healthcare”.

In an era defined by innovation and interconnectedness, partnerships have emerged as the cornerstone of a transformative future in healthcare. By bringing together diverse stakeholders—ranging from technology pioneers and medical experts to policymakers and community leaders—these collaborations transcend traditional boundaries, uniting parallel visions for a healthier tomorrow. Through shared expertise, resources, and goals, these alliances not only accelerate advancements in treatment and care but also address systemic challenges like accessibility, affordability, and equity. Collective action can unlock new possibilities and redefine the future of healthcare for all.

Topics

We would like to invite you to submit your abstracts, based on the topics outlined below.

1. Disruptive Partnerships Transforming Healthcare

· Breaking Barriers in Healthcare Partnerships: Case studies of local, regional, and international collaborations that have redefined healthcare delivery and accessibility.

· Employer-Led Healthcare Innovations: The role of occupational health partnerships in boosting economic productivity and employee well-being.

· Health Funders in Service Provision: How medical schemes and health insurers are investing in service delivery to ensure long-term sustainability.

· Value-Based Care Implementation: Lessons from successful value-based care models, including a roadmap for effective implementation in Southern Africa.

· Bridging Public and Private Healthcare: Strategies for enhancing access and reducing healthcare disparities through collaboration.

2. Harnessing Technology and Data for Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

· AI and Digital Health Solutions: How technology is reshaping diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.

· Data-Driven Decision-Making in Healthcare: Using predictive analytics and big data to optimise healthcare planning and resource allocation.

· Telemedicine and Remote Care: The future of digital health and scaling telehealth solutions in Africa.

3. Innovative Financing and Sustainability Models

· Alternative Healthcare Financing Models

· Public-Private Funding Partnerships: Success stories of innovative co-funding models in healthcare.

· The Future of Medical Schemes in an NHI Era: What role do medical schemes and private healthcare funders play post-NHI implementation?

4. Addressing Critical Healthcare Workforce & System Challenges

· Strengthening the Healthcare Workforce: Addressing skills shortages, retention strategies, and upskilling in healthcare.

· Realigning Healthcare Education: Innovative approaches to training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

· Emergency and Disaster Response Systems: How collaborative models are strengthening health system resilience in crisis situations.

5. Tackling the Burden of Disease & Social Determinants of Health

· Addressing South Africa’s Quadruple Burden of Disease: Innovative policy interventions and community-based solutions.

· Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health: Partnerships that drive inclusive healthcare access and reduce inequalities.

· Climate Change and Healthcare Resilience: Understanding the impact of environmental shifts on health.

· Mental Health and Collaborative Care Models: How public, private, and community partnerships are transforming mental health interventions.

6. The Expanding Role of Partnerships in Healthcare Innovation

· Pharmaceutical Collaborations Beyond Medicine: How research, policy, and local manufacturing are expanding medicine access.

· Corporate Social Responsibility in Healthcare: CSR initiatives that go beyond philanthropy to drive real impact.

· Advancing Research and Innovation: The role of cross-sector partnerships in medical breakthroughs.

Guidelines

Further details and guidelines for the paper are as follows:

• Papers must be submitted in Word format (only).
• Executive summary (200-250 words)
• Make 1-inch margins on the top, bottom, and sides.
• Use Arial font, size 12.
• 1.5 spacing throughout the entire paper.
• Referencing to be excluded from the word count.
• Tables, graphs, and appendices can be submitted.
• Minimum 2000 words.
• Maximum 2500 words. This includes an executive summary.
• Submit the first draft to the peer reviewer on or before 28 March 2025.

Referencing

• The authors should use a Harvard referencing style throughout the paper. Kindly see the link below for assistance in Harvard referencing: http://www.citethisforme.com/harvard-referencing
• Authors are advised to download Mendeley or Zotero for assistance in managing their references.

Presentation

• The BHF will have their annual conference from 10 May to 14 May 2025.
• Authors will be required to do presentations of their papers at the conference.
• The author will be required to submit the presentation by 2 May 2025.

Posters

• All accepted papers will be promoted at the Annual BHF Conference from 10 May to 14 May 2025 by means of printed A3 posters, which will be physically displayed throughout the venue.

Best Paper Titanium Awards

Please also note that as part of this process, all papers will be nominated for ‘best paper Titanium Awards’, please take note of the criteria stated below:

• Is the paper relevant?
• Does it address the intended topic?
• Does this paper add new knowledge?
• Are key concepts introduced and explained clearly?
• Are methods and assumptions explained clearly?
• Are there clear conclusions and recommendations?
• Is the paper well-written and well-structured?
• Does the paper have enough substance?
• Consistency in referencing
• Is the technical approach sound and well-chosen?
• Can one trust the claims of the paper — are they supported by proper background and evaluation (with the target users, when appropriate)?
• Title: Is the paper appropriate for its title?
• Problems addressed: Does it describe what the author hoped to achieve accurately, and clearly state the problem being investigated?
• Executive Summary: Does the executive summary provide sufficient detail on the paper?
• Introduction: Is the introduction appropriate? (The introduction should summarize relevant research to provide context, and explain what other authors’ findings are, if any)
• Background: Does the paper present relevant work?
• Alternative views/perspectives: Does it provide one or more perspectives against which to contrast this paper?
• Major difficulties/shortcomings: Does it describe the limitations and major obstacles found during the process?
• Open research avenues: Does it explain the future perspectives that the work opens?

For any questions, kindly contact Lesley Mogano at lesleym@bhfglobal.com or 011 537 0271