Health systems are positioned to enter the second decade of the 21st century at a time of fatigue, following decades of health care reform, under increasing attention to the social determinants of health, and perhaps on the threshold of new priorities focused on population health. More immediately, health systems and society as a whole, are caught up in the whirlwind of an unprecedented world economic crisis. The collapse of financial markets combined with globalization pose challenges never before addressed by national and international leadership. Far more than a simple platitude; we are entering a time of danger, but also one of opportunity.

* Will the current economic chaos simply put more pressure on already financially stressed health systems - or will investment in health be seen as a spur to economic growth?

* As societies reconsider their social contracts and the relationship between government and the private sector; how will health systems be affected? What can they offer in the way of lessons after decades of struggling with issues of governance, social support, personal responsibility for health, and systemic accountability for health systems outcomes?

* Will health systems falter in the face of population migrations - or will they serve as a beacon to maintain solidarity because of – and not despite – immigration of citizens and health professionals?

* Will Health Ministries maintain their secondary position in the bureaucratic pecking order - or will they succeed in articulating the inter-sectoral nature of health and establish health-promoting coordination with other agencies?

* Will the new fields of evidence based medicine and evidence based management be confined to the characterization of technical tools and measures - or will they provide an example of nesting quality improvement within the organizational culture and social fabric of societies?

The Fourth International Conference on Health Policy will address these issues, seeking to maximize the health and welfare of populations and to contribute to overall improved social policy. Leading health policy experts from around the globe will discuss these issues in plenary and parallel sessions, debates, panel discussions, and poster presentations. The Conference will provide new knowledge and ideas aimed at improving the future of populations worldwide during a time of daunting challenges.

International Registration Rates March 15 – June 15, 2009 Early Registration – Special Rate - $400 USD June 16 – October 15, 2009 Regular Registration – Rate $450 USD October 16 – December 4, 2009 Late Registration – Full Price - $550 USD Student Registration - $300 USD (students under age 35 with student ID card only) Refunds Refund Dates 100% Until October 31, 2009 Full refund less $50 USD Administrative fee November 1 – December 1, 2009 No refunds December 2 – Conference Day Registration Fee is to include: 1. Conference Package 2. Three days of: lunch and two coffee breaks 3. Welcome Reception 4. Gala Dinner 5. Transportation between the hotel and the conference – limited to the affiliated hotels mentioned on our website. 6. All participants must submit payment – including speakers and poster presenters – prior to the date of the conference. 7. A receipt for payment will be given on the day of the conference. For any questions, please turn to our website or feel free to email us at nihp@israelhpr.health.gov.il