The WHO Special Programme on Primary Health Care and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies have guest-edited a special theme issue on health system performance assessment (HSPA) for the July issue of the Bulletin of the World Health Organization. HSPA is a comprehensive evaluation process designed to measure how well a health system achieves its objectives. It also aims to identify opportunities for improvement based on this evaluation. Health systems operate in a complex, multifaceted environment with a diversity of data, stakeholders, and contexts. While efforts to embed HSPA into decision-making processes have recently intensified, there is room for more innovative approaches to translate evidence into actionable policies. 

This collection of articles highlights the importance of regular HSPA to inform policies that advance progress towards health systems objectives globally and at country level. The bulletin showcases practical country applications and case studies while discussing methodological approaches to catalyze a more policy-relevant understanding of performance challenges and solutions. It also includes discussions on HSPA after the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how health system assessment contributes towards achieving universal health coverage. Research topics include primary healthcare measurement frameworks, population assessments, resilience dimensions, routine data collection, patient satisfaction, and multisectoral interventions. This issue of the Bulletin was made possible with funding provided by the Universal Health Coverage Partnership.