Abstract
BackgroundResearch funding and production is inequitably distributed internationally, with emphasis placed on the priorities of funders and international partners. Research capacity development, along with agenda-setting for research priorities can create agency and self-sufficiency and should be inclusive of all relevant stakeholders. Myanmar is a fragile state, where decades of conflict have created a weakened healthcare system and health research sector. The population of Eastern Myanmar have long had their healthcare needs met by community-based organisations and ethnic health organisations operating within Eastern Myanmar and the adjoining Thai–Myanmar border. Despite a transition to civilian rule, the current context does not allow for a truly participatory health research capacity development and agenda-setting exercise between the health leaders of Eastern Myanmar and the government in Yangon. In this context, and with a desire to enhance the capacity, legitimacy and agency of their organisations, the health leaders of Eastern Myanmar are seeking to develop their own health research capacity and to take control of their own research agenda.MethodsApproximately 60 participants from 15 organisations attended a 3-day forum with the goals of (1) developing research capacity and interest through a research conference and methods workshop; (2) using a nominal group technique (NGT) to develop a locally driven research agenda; and (3) supporting the development of local research projects through ongoing funding and mentorship.ResultsParticipants were actively engaged in the workshops and NGT. Participants identified a broad range of health issues as priorities and were able to develop consensus around a list of 15 top priorities for the populations they serve. Despite availability of ongoing support, participants did not pursue the opportunity to engage in their own research projects emerging from this forum.ConclusionsThe NGT was an effective way to achieve engagement and consensus around research priorities between a group of healthcare providers, researchers and policy-makers from a variety of ethnic groups. More active involvement of senior leadership must happen before the energy harnessed at such a forum can be implemented in ongoing research capacity development.
Highlights
Research funding and production is inequitably distributed internationally, with emphasis placed on the priorities of funders and international partners
The 10/90 gap exists largely because research priorities, even those addressing concerns within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), are often set by funders, international partners and organisations, rather than by Purkey et al Health Research Policy and Systems (2019) 17:64 the communities who will bear the consequences of what research is or is not prioritised [3]
Despite the fact that 75% of the global burden of cardiovascular disease is found in LMICs, a random selection of 3000 citations found that only 6– 8% of peer-reviewed articles were from these countries [4]
Summary
Research funding and production is inequitably distributed internationally, with emphasis placed on the priorities of funders and international partners. Despite a transition to civilian rule, the current context does not allow for a truly participatory health research capacity development and agenda-setting exercise between the health leaders of Eastern Myanmar and the government in Yangon. Over the intervening three decades, many countries have worked on priority-setting initiatives [6]; there remain challenges in developing participatory processes involving all relevant stakeholders This has been even more challenging in fragile state contexts where certain ethnic groups, for example, are either in active armed conflict with the national government or have a history of experiencing overt discrimination or neglect [7, 8]
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