IFGH 2010: An Advocacy-Research Partnership: A Successful Knowledge-Translation Platform?

There is now a recognised need to implement knowledge translation (KT) methodologies as an integral part of the health policymaking process. KT methodologies or platforms are mechanisms designed to use evidence to improve the safety and effectiveness of health policies and policy implementation interventions.

A unique and strategic collaborative partnership among research and advocacy organizations – Health System Strengthening for Equity (HSSE) explicitly and strategically sought to strengthen obstetric care delivery by building an evidence base on the contribution of mid-level providers (MLP) and promoting greater political leadership and critical policy action on this issue. National and global level advocacy activities included supporting/developing local advocacy groups and using the high profile of key partners to raise awareness and debate on MLPs and task shifting at roundtable meetings and ministerial conferences.

Key challenges the partnership encountered such as ownership and management of data, decision making, leveraging partner opportunities for the project, and aligning research and advocacy outputs are highlighted. The project has contributed to building the capacity of southern and northern institutions to use evidence for policy and to link global and national processes ensuring all stakeholders are working together to generate more realistic and sustainable approaches to strengthening health systems.

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• An advocacy-research partnership:a successful knowledge- translation platform? (7.25 MB)