Abstract
BackgroundResearch institutions and donor organizations are giving growing attention to how research evidence is communicated to influence policy. In the area of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV there is less weight given to understanding how evidence is successfully translated into practice. Policy issues in SRH can be controversial, influenced by political factors and shaped by context such as religion, ethnicity, gender and sexuality.MethodsThe case-studies presented in this paper analyse findings from SRH/HIV research programmes in sub-Saharan Africa: 1) Maternal syphilis screening in Ghana, 2) Legislative change for sexual violence survivors In Ghana, 3) Male circumcision policy in South Africa, and 4) Male circumcision policy in Tanzania. Our analysis draws on two frameworks, Sumner et al’s synthesis approach and Nutley’s research use continuum.ResultsThe analysis emphasises the relationships and communications involved in using research to influence policy and practice and recognises a distinction whereby practice is not necessarily influenced as a result of policy change – especially in SRH – where there are complex interactions between policy actors.ConclusionBoth frameworks demonstrate how policy networks, partnership and advocacy are critical in shaping the extent to which research is used and the importance of on-going and continuous links between a range of actors to maximize research impact on policy uptake and implementation. The case-studies illustrate the importance of long-term engagement between researchers and policy makers and how to use evidence to develop policies which are sensitive to context: political, cultural and practical.
Highlights
Research institutions and donor organizations are giving growing attention to how research evidence is communicated to influence policy
Networks of actors across the policy continuum are frequently central to creating a link to practice; this paper argues that use of collaborative partnerships, media coverage, ‘knowledge brokers’ and advocacy as part of targeted communications strategies can forge the link between research evidence and policy implementation by connecting researchers with policy makers and practitioners [5,6]
The criteria against which the case-studies were chosen illustrate the role of partnerships, networking and interaction of researchers, with both policy and practice actors in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) research in Sub Saharan Africa: Criteria 1: The role of research, advocacy and engagement – exploring policy barriers to change in SRH practice
Summary
Research institutions and donor organizations are giving growing attention to how research evidence is communicated to influence policy. The often highly politicised nature of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV issues complicates the factors influencing policy development and implementation. In order to provide national leadership, coordination, resource mobilisation and advocacy, the Tanzanian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW,) following WHO guidance, formed two bodies (a Taskforce Committee and Technical Working Group) to oversee the scaling up of circumcision services in the country. These bodies were formed through a consultative and inclusive process involving all stakeholders. Its involvement to provide evidence for the policy development process was a natural progression of the previous research work that NIMR had conducted
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