How can a Ministry of Health determine if its HIV/AIDS programs are sustainable? Should a government subsidize community-based health insurance to reduce out-of-pocket spending? What are the best ways to strengthen the health systems of a low- or middle-income country? Health Systems 20/20 has created eight effective strategies to improve the governance, operations, financing, health management information systems, and capacity building components of health systems. The Better Health Systems: Strategies that Work briefs will explore our strategies, why and how they work, and their growing impact worldwide. Beginning in January 2012, we will release 2 or 3 briefs per month on different solutions and approaches to health systems strengthening (HSS).