Health policy and systems research (HPSR) is a diverse field that seeks to understand and improve how societies organize themselves in achieving collective health goals. Despite the recognized growth and evolution of the field over the past two decades, there are no known data sources to systematically monitor the capacity to undertake this type of research, the amount of funding available or the outputs created – either at global or national levels. Recent studies underscore the lack of data on HPSR funding.
Responding to this challenge, in January 2021, the Alliance and some of its partners embarked on a collaborative and collective process to develop a first annual account of national-level HPSR production in a selection of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Partners recognized as experienced leaders and experts in HPSR – and particularly those with a track record of capacity strengthening to generate policy-relevant research and/or engagement in evidence-informed decision-making – joined to co-author the Report.
This webinar launched the Report and provided an overview of key findings, both globally and in specific countries. The Report was presented, and it was followed by a roundtable discussion among partners on the challenges and opportunities of measuring HPSR.
Agenda
Chair
- Dr Aku KWAMIE, Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, WHO
Presentation of the report
- Mr Jeffrey KNEZOVICH, Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, WHO
Panel discussion. and reflections
- Dr Nathan BLANCHET, Results for Development, United States of America
- Dr Aissa DIARRA, LASDEL: Laboratoire d'Etudes et de Recherche sur les Dynamiques Sociales et le Développement Local, Niger
- Prof. Lucy GILSON, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Dr Miguel GONZÁLEZ-BLOCK, Universidad Anáhuac, Mexico
- Dr Ping HE, China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University
- Prof. Fadi EL-JARDALI, American University of Beirut, K2P Center, Lebanon
Closing remarks
- Dr Abdul GHAFFAR, Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, WHO