It contributes to implementation and evaluation. Examples from Mexico, Ethiopia, and Turkey illustrate the positive contributions health systems analysis has made to development of successful health system strengthening policies. Health systems analysis should be an integral part of good practice in health system strengthening efforts, including planning, policy development, monitoring, and evaluation. Health systems analysis can be conceived in a coherent and logical fashion and can be practiced and improved. Specific areas needing better methods development are identified from a review of selected World Bank reports completed between the years 2000-2009. We propose that development partners and national stakeholders should invest in health systems analysis methods and practice, strengthen peer review for better validity and reliability, and help build capacity in client countries in this area.