Development of a framework to improve the utilisation of malaria research for policy development in Malawi

Chikondi Mwendera,Charles Hongoro,Herbert Longwe,Christiaan de Jager,Clifford M. Mutero,Kamija Phiri

doi:10.1186/s12961-017-0264-y

Abstract

BackgroundThe existing gap between research evidence and public health practice has attributed to the unmet Millennium Development Goals in Africa and consequently, has stimulated the development of frameworks to enhance knowledge translation. These efforts aim at maximising health research utilisation in policy and practice to address the world’s disease burdens, including malaria. This study aimed at developing a contextual framework to improve the utilisation of malaria research for policy development in Malawi.MethodsThe study used two approaches including: two case studies of policy analysis exploring the policy-making process in Malawi, utilisation of local malaria research, and the role of key stakeholders in policy formulation process; and the assessment of facilitating factors and barriers to malaria research utilisation for policy-making in Malawi.ResultsFrom the case studies’ lessons and elements identified during the assessment of facilitating factors and barriers, a framework is developed to promote an integrated approach to knowledge translation. In this framework the Ministry of Health is considered as the main user of knowledge from research through the demand created by the research directorate and the National Malaria Control Programme. Key documents identified as being particularly relevant to the Ministry of Health for purposes of knowledge translation include the National Health Research Agenda, Guidelines for Policy Development and Analysis, and Guidelines for Evidence Use in Policy-making. Institutions conducting academic and policy-relevant malaria research in Malawi are identified and a consolidation of their linkages with the users of research is established through the Knowledge Translation Unit, the Evidence Informed decision-making Centre, and the African Institute for Development Policy. Equally, key players in this framework are the funding partners for both research and programmes that need to see accountability and impact of their support. Independent advisors, partners, and consultants also have their vital role in the process.ConclusionThe framework offers a practical basis for the factors identified and their linkages to promote a co-ordinated approach to malaria research utilisation in policy-making. Its applicability and success hinges on its wider dissemination and ownership by the government through the National Malaria Control Programme.

Highlights

The existing gap between research evidence and public health practice has attributed to the unmet Millennium Development Goals in Africa and has stimulated the development of frameworks to enhance knowledge translation
This study presents the final product of a PhD research that aimed at developing a contextual framework to improve the utilisation of malaria research for policy development in Malawi
Since Malawi was the first country to switch from CQ to SP, many concerns were raised on the timing of the change and the early development of resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to SP

Summary

Introduction

The existing gap between research evidence and public health practice has attributed to the unmet Millennium Development Goals in Africa and has stimulated the development of frameworks to enhance knowledge translation. The concept of evidence-based medicine has progressively compelled non-clinical settings, including health policy, to utilise research evidence in policy development [5] This has led to evidence-based policy-making, which urges policymakers to demand and focus on using scientific evidence rather than political ideologies in policy decision-making [6, 7]. The promotion of evidence-based policy-making should focus on improving communication between policy-makers and researchers, but should take into consideration the diverse contextual factors influencing policy-making [8] Assessment of these factors assists in developing contextual frameworks that embrace the facilitating factors and address the barriers to research utilisation in knowledge translation (KT). It involves all stages of the research process, interaction and engagement between the researchers and research users for the purposes of addressing the existing gap between large quantities of research evidence and its usage [14], and improving the lives of the general population [11, 15]

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