Abstract
Developing the capacity to effectively carry out public health research is an integral part of health systems at both the national and global levels and strengthening research capacity is recognized as an approach to better health and development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Especially fields such as sexual and reproductive health (SRH) would require inter-disciplinary teams of researchers equipped with a range of methodologies to achieve this. In November 2013, as part of the International Family Planning Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a group of African researchers came together to discuss the gaps and strategies to improve sexual and reproductive health research and research capacity strengthening in Africa. This commentary summarizes the three broad areas where the issues and proposed solutions have concentrated around:Addressing research gaps that are most relevant to policies and programmes in SRH,Carrying out high quality and collaborative research, andTranslating research findings into SRH policies and programmes.Even though the focus of the discussions was Africa, the issues and proposed solutions can also be applied to other regions facing a high burden of disease with limited resources. The time is now and these can be achieved through synergistic commitment of African and global researchers, funders and organizations.
Highlights
Developing the capacity to effectively carry out public health research is an integral part of health systems at both the national and global levels and strengthening research capacity is recognized as an approach to better health and development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).[1]
* Correspondence: tuncalpo@who.int 11Department of Reproductive Health and Research including UNDP/UNFPA/ UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland Full list of author information is available at the end of the article that will allow research communities to grow and deliver research that contribute to the health of their communities.[2]. Fields such as sexual and reproductive health (SRH) would require inter-disciplinary teams of researchers equipped with a range of methodologies to achieve this
Addressing research gaps that are most relevant to policies and programmes in SRH Currently, in practice, international organizations and networks tend to decide on SRH research priorities for Africa, based on their areas of focus and mandate
Summary
Developing the capacity to effectively carry out public health research is an integral part of health systems at both the national and global levels and strengthening research capacity is recognized as an approach to better health and development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).[1]. Addressing research gaps that are most relevant to policies and programmes in SRH Currently, in practice, international organizations and networks tend to decide on SRH research priorities for Africa, based on their areas of focus and mandate.
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