# data[].attributes.body
Is there any way the evidence community can support you in future collaborations/partnerships? Tell us in a few words.

# data[].attributes.body
Please tell us some of the main challenges you face in regard to partnerships/collaborations. If you have any suggestions on how to overcome these challenges, include them in your post.

# data[].attributes.body
Please tell us about positive experiences with national partnerships and collaborations between stakeholders or organizations across the evidence ecosystem that strengthened the science-policy-decision making interface. You can add links and share a quick word on the main features that inspired you.

# data[].attributes.body
Please tell us about positive experiences with international partnerships and collaborations between stakeholders or organizations across the evidence ecosystem that strengthened the science-policy-decision making interface. You can add links and share a quick word on the main features that inspired you.

# data[].attributes.body
The Coalition of Partners can help to build small, agile networks of groups providing timely, demand-driven evidence support in specific topic areas (so we can better learn across countries how to support advisory and decision-making processes)

# data[].attributes.body
During the pandemic, our collaboration with K2P Center and Africa Centre for Evidence allowed us to translate timely knowledge products for COVID-19 related questions shared by our countries.

# data[].attributes.body
identifying the right partners/ who to target information to and who has the policy influence can be challenging.

reaching out to many organizations working in the space to learn from their experience and get recommendations, ask for introductions, ext. has been helpful in getting us on the right path.

# data[].attributes.body
Sohini, India

Legality of data transfers: Without proper guidelines on privacy protection, sharing of (generated) data is a concern due to the possibilities of misuse of data.

Developing a customised setup (small data governance committee who stores and manages access to the data, in our case) has helped

# data[].attributes.body
We promote collaborations between researchers and international organisation through the Impact Collaboration Programme: https://gspi.ch/icp/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Impact Collaboration Programme is our annual call for projects with the support of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. It provides a unique funding instrument to spark, support and scale science-policy collaborations that strengthen science-informed policymaking and build policy-relevant research and tools in support of global governance actors based in Geneva.

Are you a scientist willing to engage with policy actors and channel your research towards policy needs?

Are you an international policy professional looking to ground your work in scientific expertise?

Through an ICP project, you can develop creative ways to work together to ensure that the best available knowledge supports the design of solutions to the complex issues of our times, in a wide range of fields such as health, migration, environment, peacebuilding and many others.

Apply now!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Open call for projects - Geneva Science-Policy Interface

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Impact Collaboration Programme is an annual call for projects by the Geneva Science-Policy Interface with the support of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. It provides a unique funding instrument to spot, support and scale science-policy collaborations that contribute to strengthening science-informed policy-making and build policy-relevant research and tools in support of global governance actors based in Geneva.

# data[].attributes.body
At the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), we set up COVID-19 Forecasting and Scenario Hubs, enabling modelling teams from around the world to submit forecasts for EU/EEA Member States. We worked in close association with US-CDC on this and learned a lot from their experience.

# data[].attributes.body
multiple organizations who receive funding from the same body coming together to discuss process for evidence synthesis and knowledge translation to identify what each group can do and what is needed by the funding body to create consistent response and approach

# data[].attributes.body
In recent years, the importance of evidence in decision-making is well emphasized and has gained momentum. There are evidence translation platforms being created and supporting the use of evidence throughout the health system.

# data[].attributes.headline
Durante la pandemia, hemos recibido apoyo en el fortalecimiento de la vigilancia epidemiológica, desde el ejemplo del sector salud y financiero de Corea, con gestión del BID. Excelente experiencia de intercambio y ayuda en la gestión de uso de pruebas diagnósticas, definición de trabajo del centro d eoperqciones y vigilancia en los puntos de entrada. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Durante la pandemia, hemos recibido apoyo en el fortalecimiento de la vigilancia epidemiológica, desde el ejemplo del sector salud y financiero de Corea, con gestión del BID. Excelente experiencia de intercambio y ayuda en la gestión de uso de pruebas diagnósticas, definición de trabajo del centro d eoperqciones y vigilancia en los puntos de entrada. 

# data[].attributes.body
International or global collaboration at organisation level have helped break the barrier in understanding and applying unique knowledge to solve global issues.

# data[].attributes.body
sharing of lessons learned and best practices

# data[].attributes.headline
Sabit Ethiopia, I have engaged in  EVIPNet SURE, PERLSS, and PEERSS, CEBHA Plus, It was really very supportive in getting skills from others, we have created a community of practice that continued throughout a project period and beyond 

# data[].attributes.subject
Sabit Ethiopia, I have engaged in  EVIPNet SURE, PERLSS, and PEERSS, CEBHA Plus, It was really very supportive in getting skills from others, we have created a community of practice that continued throughout a project period and beyond 

# data[].attributes.body
The Academic Network on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy (ANSER) is a network of 35 universities and 7 non-profit organisations from all over the world, with the aim to build evidence for sexual and reproductive health and rights policies. We do that through training (of scientists and policymakers),  joint research with useable outcomes for policymakers and technical support for governments/policymakers on policy strengthening. Please read more on our website: https://www.ugent.be/anser/en and follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ansernetwork

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
ANSER is an international research platform fostering interaction and knowledge sharing between academics and policy makers. The members engage in cutting-edge joint research projects, weigh-in on current policy debates and host innovative training programs. As a global resource for SRHR policy research, education and service delivery ANSER helps building evidence based policies that support sexual and reproductive rights for everyone, everywhere.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) lies at the immediate intersect of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Health and Gender Equality. SRHR should therefore be central to all policies advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Sound SRHR policymaking necessitates an evidence base to ensure their adequacy and effectiveness, reliable follow-up and monitoring, accountability, and regular sharing of experiences between different types of stakeholders.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Academic Network for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ANSER is an international research platform fostering interaction and knowledge sharing between academics and policy makers. The members engage in cutting-edge joint research projects, weigh-in on current policy debates and host innovative training programs. As a global resource for SRHR policy research, education and service delivery ANSER helps building evidence based policies that support sexual and reproductive rights for everyone, everywhere.

# data[].attributes.body
Our project on AMR -- RADAAR -- from IVI, Korea recently collaborated with WHO/EVIPNet and the K2P centre to pilot a small initiative to see how we can strengthen country capacities for translating AMR data/evidence into effective policies. Interesting results and much enthusiasm and engagement from countries. Hope to expand further.

# data[].attributes.headline
Community of Practice: Interest in Canada 

# data[].attributes.subject
Community of Practice: Interest in Canada 

# data[].attributes.body
There was definitely buy in and support to form a community of practice of policymakers interested in finding out what each province does to address healthcare policy.

Main challenges is finding a way to bring everyone together, if there is no specific project. Eventually, this community could be a place for general inquiries but, it needs a focal point to attach policymakers.

# data[].attributes.body
There was a lack of international coordination of evidence synthesis during covid. Several attempts were made from different organizations. WHO should tak a leading role here.

# data[].attributes.body
We have a strong capacity and expertise in health sector. However, as mentioned by the panel yesterday we need further to develop capacity in other sectors such as education, social protection, or agriculture. The collaboration needs time and funding.

# data[].attributes.headline
Safe Systems' Approach for enabling traffic injury prevention in Nepal.

# data[].attributes.subject
Safe Systems' Approach for enabling traffic injury prevention in Nepal.

# data[].attributes.body
National and regional collaborations require but in from all parties that achieves a common aim and outcome

# data[].attributes.body
Producing case videos help bring messages across.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
"social innovation" innovation health healthcare

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Launched in 2014, the Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) is a network of passionate individuals and institutions combining their skills and resources in support of key activities to promote social innovation in health. Their united effort provides leadership to advance social innovation in health in developing countries, with the ultimate goals to achieve the SDGs and improve the lives of communities in the global south.

# data[].attributes.body
As Vital Strategies we support governments to use routine data for decision making. In Mumbai, India we supported the analysis of mortality data which showed NCDs as leading cause of death. Through our data to policy program the government officials worked to develop a policy brief with health and economic impact and feasibility of three proposed interventions to address diabetes. As a result of recommendations, the Mumbai Municipal corporation made a case for funding and is implementing NCD corners in 16 hospitals for opportunistic screening and community based screening through frontline workers.

# data[].attributes.body
Various advances are done in different national organisations. National collaboration help to build bridge and allow active exchange of knowledge and technologies.

# data[].attributes.headline
Sabit, we have created a team that engaged five universities and built capacity in developing systematic reviews and methods the development of 5 SR based on demand from the ministry, CEBHA plus project played a role in this. Currently working on HTA institutionalization road map

# data[].attributes.subject
Sabit, we have created a team that engaged five universities and built capacity in developing systematic reviews and methods the development of 5 SR based on demand from the ministry, CEBHA plus project played a role in this. Currently working on HTA institutionalization road map

# data[].attributes.headline
We are keen to develop an initiative to establish AMR knowledge synthesis and translation platforms at country levels, and also an KST "incubator" or hub at IVI, in Seoul, Korea.

# data[].attributes.subject
We are keen to develop an initiative to establish AMR knowledge synthesis and translation platforms at country levels, and also an KST "incubator" or hub at IVI, in Seoul, Korea.

# data[].attributes.headline
Terrence - Switzerland                                                    A major challenge is the difficulty of data validation / data transfers in and out of Europe in the light of the GDPR regulations in the European community. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Terrence - Switzerland                                                    A major challenge is the difficulty of data validation / data transfers in and out of Europe in the light of the GDPR regulations in the European community. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Part of a small veterinary association (Evidence Based Veterinary Medical Association) international membership - who is trying to bring awareness of the importance of research synthesis to the practice of veterinary medicine within a One Health context also.

# data[].attributes.subject
Part of a small veterinary association (Evidence Based Veterinary Medical Association) international membership - who is trying to bring awareness of the importance of research synthesis to the practice of veterinary medicine within a One Health context also.

# data[].attributes.headline
Challenge to gather information with the support of AI. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Challenge to gather information with the support of AI. 

# data[].attributes.headline
At the MOH-Ethiopia we have established the RMNCAH/N Research Advisory Council composed of university researchers and program managers. we have understood that this knowledge translation platform is successful in contextualizing regional and global evidence to inform local decisions and synthesize available evidence to package it in a format usable by health managers at the MoH. 

# data[].attributes.subject
At the MOH-Ethiopia we have established the RMNCAH/N Research Advisory Council composed of university researchers and program managers. we have understood that this knowledge translation platform is successful in contextualizing regional and global evidence to inform local decisions and synthesize available evidence to package it in a format usable by health managers at the MoH. 

# data[].attributes.body
This structure now is available in two of the regions/states in the country and is proving to be valuable at that level too.

# data[].attributes.headline
I have been working with researchers and research institution from different countries to devlop case studies on multisectoral actions on prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health, health policy analysis on health taxes and implementation research on NCD prevention and control.

# data[].attributes.subject
I have been working with researchers and research institution from different countries to devlop case studies on multisectoral actions on prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health, health policy analysis on health taxes and implementation research on NCD prevention and control.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Noncommunicable diseases - like heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease - are a significant and increasing cause of death and disability around the world, including in low- and middle-income countries. As such, many governments are considering or have already put in place a range of policies to help prevent some of the risk factors that are known to contribute to these diseases. To increase physical activity and improve air quality, for example, some cities have created car free days. Others have tried to increase the price of harmful products by increasing taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugar.

Indeed, more and more governments are looking for advice on how best to design, implement and administer health taxes. But it is unlikely that these types of policies are one-size-fits-all: how they are framed and developed within their national political, economic and social context determines their success. Locally generated evidence and policy analysis - with a deep understanding of the contextual politics, processes and powers - can inform the creation of more tailored policies.

To achieve these ends, the Alliance, with support from the Government of Norway, has established a research programme to provide health policy analysis for health taxes in eight low- and middle-income countries. The programme will develop case studies that examine how political economy factors influence and frame the design, adoption and implementation of health taxes. Informed by qualitative data, research teams will develop these case studies based on a common conceptual framework.

The call was open to select countries that were selected to align with both the Inter-Agency Working Group on Health Taxes and the WHO Internal Working Group on Health Taxes. Following a very competitive process, studies were selected from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru and Viet Nam. Explore the map below to find out more about the areas of focus of each of the studies.

Map of country case studies have been selected

(Mouse over the countries in blue to find out more about each study.)

Table of country case studies have been selected

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Noncommunicable diseases - like heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease - are a significant and increasing cause of death and disability around the world, including in low- and middle-income countries. As such, many governments are considering or have already put in place a range of policies to help prevent some of the risk factors that are known to contribute to these diseases.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Kindly access our policy brief thorugh the link.

# data[].attributes.body
MEDICO-19: Experience of Research to Policy from Indonesia

In 2021, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, our group consisted mainly of 4th- 5th year medical students in Universitas Indonesia, published a policy brief based on our nationwide research. The research currently stands as the biggest research involving medical students in Indonesia with almost 5,000 respondents, discussing about willingness, knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical students to volunteer during the pandemic.

We disseminated the policy brief to relevant policymakers (Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health) and the public (mass media) via webinar and advocacies. The government adopted of our recommendations into nationwide policy in only 2 weeks to appropriately involve medical students (and general youth) in vaccination and various measures in handling the pandemic, including paying attention to protection and level of readiness issues.

Reach me:
Email. gamalliel.nico@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicogamalliel/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nico-Gamalliel

# data[].attributes.headline
Como aprendizaje de pandemia, desde el ministerio de salud hemos trabajado en una propuesta intersectorial con apoyo de los organismos de FAO, UNICEF y PAHO para optimizar la preparación, respuesta y adaptación ante emergencias, que fue presentado al fondo pandémico y fue adjudicado con fondos. Considero una oportunidad de trabajo coordinado 

# data[].attributes.subject
Como aprendizaje de pandemia, desde el ministerio de salud hemos trabajado en una propuesta intersectorial con apoyo de los organismos de FAO, UNICEF y PAHO para optimizar la preparación, respuesta y adaptación ante emergencias, que fue presentado al fondo pandémico y fue adjudicado con fondos. Considero una oportunidad de trabajo coordinado 

# data[].attributes.headline
Sabit, Challenges are turnover of political leadership. low awareness by top leaders

# data[].attributes.subject
Sabit, Challenges are turnover of political leadership. low awareness by top leaders

# data[].attributes.body
limited human resource resulting in inability of existing staff to have time and skills to synthesize data into evidence for use.

# data[].attributes.body
The dynamics of bringing together established networks with new actors. How to share knowledge in a way that every voice is heard, avoiding feelings of not wanting to speak up because of confident voices in the room. Making sure that methods, data etc. are standardised in such a way that they make sense for everyone, not just the teams who initiated the collaborative exercise.

# data[].attributes.body
A learning network of everyone working as knowledge intermediary around health

# data[].attributes.headline
Is there a "how-to" manual for setting up knowledge translation platforms at national level? WOuld be keen to receive TORs for KTP...particularly on AMR. ALso...any TORs for activities for a centralized/regional KST 'hub' would be very useful.

# data[].attributes.subject
Is there a "how-to" manual for setting up knowledge translation platforms at national level? WOuld be keen to receive TORs for KTP...particularly on AMR. ALso...any TORs for activities for a centralized/regional KST 'hub' would be very useful.

# data[].attributes.headline
Issues with Reaching Policymakers in Canada

# data[].attributes.subject
Issues with Reaching Policymakers in Canada

# data[].attributes.body
Some provinces have changing policymakers in positions too frequently. This makes it hard to connect within departments to form community of practice.

In addition, its been a challenging identifying and recruiting policymakers who would be key players in this community of practice since we rely on representatives from each province to assist with connecting but, at the same time, these representatives do not work with policymakers often

# data[].attributes.headline
AI usage for Data management and implementation of policies and accumulating the gaps.

# data[].attributes.subject
AI usage for Data management and implementation of policies and accumulating the gaps.

# data[].attributes.body
Challenges include language barriers, traditional or cultural barriers and socioeconomic barriers - these can all be obstacles to the ability for a programme to be established to allow benefit for communities ..... a collective collaborative group is sometimes able to overcome these challenges

# data[].attributes.headline
Sabit, Solution, Keep conducting sensitization workshops and trainings for researchers. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Sabit, Solution, Keep conducting sensitization workshops and trainings for researchers. 

# data[].attributes.headline
We struggle with awareness of Evidence based approaches within the veterinary community at large - few synthesis products available and most based on scant primary research

# data[].attributes.subject
We struggle with awareness of Evidence based approaches within the veterinary community at large - few synthesis products available and most based on scant primary research

# data[].attributes.body
There is capacity gap among evidence users which remains the major challenge impacting evidence use. In addition, the lack of access to published literature as the journals require subscriptions is another challenge. The lack of a strong knowledge translation platform (structure) with staff and budget is another challenge. Collaborations with international research institutions has assisted with building capacity and providing access to literature.

# data[].attributes.body
challenges in connecting datasets to get more comprehensive and longitudinal data on specific populations - related to silos between organizations but also privacy and confidentiality of health data.

I think open discussions, transparency on why data sharing would be beneficial and creative thinking can be helpful. Remembering that different organizations may be responsible for the same people but at different points in life/ in their health care journeys

# data[].attributes.headline
Providing evidence to support policies around emerging health technologies in the UK

# data[].attributes.subject
Providing evidence to support policies around emerging health technologies in the UK

# data[].attributes.body
I work as part of a team tracking emerging health technologies, and using existing evidence to ensure the availability of appropriate data to inform decisions on new and innovative health technologies ~ Cyril

# data[].attributes.headline
Mi nombre es Carlos García, soy miembro del observatorio Iberoamericano de Políticas Públicas en Salud Bucal, de la Red Latinoamericana de Salud Bucal Colectiva y del Observatorio de Inequidades en Salud Bucal en la UPCH en Lima, Perú. Es un reto poder aglutinar las participaciones continuas en el tiempo, a pesar de tener objetivos claros. Las iniciativas se truncan por financiamiento. Espero poder articular con otros centros o colaboradores con fines similares

# data[].attributes.subject
Mi nombre es Carlos García, soy miembro del observatorio Iberoamericano de Políticas Públicas en Salud Bucal, de la Red Latinoamericana de Salud Bucal Colectiva y del Observatorio de Inequidades en Salud Bucal en la UPCH en Lima, Perú. Es un reto poder aglutinar las participaciones continuas en el tiempo, a pesar de tener objetivos claros. Las iniciativas se truncan por financiamiento. Espero poder articular con otros centros o colaboradores con fines similares

# data[].attributes.headline
The department of Research Services in Uganda worked with the International Network for Scientific Information Publication (INASP) to organise an annual research week. This event bridged the gap between various evidence producers with the MPs 

# data[].attributes.subject
The department of Research Services in Uganda worked with the International Network for Scientific Information Publication (INASP) to organise an annual research week. This event bridged the gap between various evidence producers with the MPs 

# data[].attributes.body
The Research Advisory Council is still externally funded
Volunteer-based membership in the council makes keeping their effort optimal at all times challenging

# data[].attributes.headline
Good participatory guidelines for HIV and for TB were adapted in 2016 by WHO R&D Blueprint for Emerging and Re-emerging pathogens. They were referred  to many times in responding through research and surve illance to COVID in Canada. Co-conception and co-design are key fo r co-ownership of results to action. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Good participatory guidelines for HIV and for TB were adapted in 2016 by WHO R&D Blueprint for Emerging and Re-emerging pathogens. They were referred  to many times in responding through research and surve illance to COVID in Canada. Co-conception and co-design are key fo r co-ownership of results to action. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Sabit, Long term training on EIDM, Working towards inculcating EIDM to the University Curriculums 

# data[].attributes.subject
Sabit, Long term training on EIDM, Working towards inculcating EIDM to the University Curriculums 

# data[].attributes.body
Learning and sharing knowledge regarding best practices to follow for developing countries.

# data[].attributes.body
Sohini, India

Frequent synthesis and dissemination of scientific evidence from WHO can save time (and inefficiency) for knowledge mediators as they navigate other complexities of the evidence-policy relationship

# data[].attributes.headline
In my country, as a result of COVID-19 pandemic multiple organizations are carrying out respiratory surveillances. The aim of the National Integrated Surveillance system is to ensure all findings from these multiple sources inform the ministry timely and also streamline activities at facilities not to overwhelm the workers

# data[].attributes.subject
In my country, as a result of COVID-19 pandemic multiple organizations are carrying out respiratory surveillances. The aim of the National Integrated Surveillance system is to ensure all findings from these multiple sources inform the ministry timely and also streamline activities at facilities not to overwhelm the workers

# data[].attributes.body
Measuring tools to measure the impact of knowledge translation to policy

# data[].attributes.body
It would be helpful if WHO could advertise novel platforms, collaboration and projects to their partners to bring as many teams as possible on board.

# data[].attributes.body
Food safety improvements need to be supported by strong national surveillance systems. Yet many countries lack effective surveillance systems.

# data[].attributes.body
There is a need to support the activities of the Council

# data[].attributes.headline
Como lecciones aprendidas de pandemia entendemos que la estrategia de UNA salud es necesaria para incorporar en la hija de ruta de la política de salud, lo que implica el aporte del conocimiento y la toma de decisiones entre sectores, más allá de salud humana solamente. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Como lecciones aprendidas de pandemia entendemos que la estrategia de UNA salud es necesaria para incorporar en la hija de ruta de la política de salud, lo que implica el aporte del conocimiento y la toma de decisiones entre sectores, más allá de salud humana solamente. 

# data[].attributes.body
The following supports are needed

1- Mentoring and training to build capacity
2- Improve access to literature
3- Networking and collaboration

# data[].attributes.body
The collaboration and effort in communicating with existing experts in the area of science to spur debate on health where international experience exist is mostly around universities. I try to engage those with that background because this experience is available. The challenge however is that norms of an expert from the developing countries are far different due to the lack of infrastructure in the first place. An expert who is transitioning need to understand the knowledge gap in explaining their experience to their peers.

# data[].attributes.body
I am a university teacher(public health Parasitology) and a researcher. I collaborate with colleagues from other institutions as well as attending international conferences. It has been difficult for me getting a collaborator from outside my country.

# data[].attributes.headline
My post on GPP should have been in national.  Cate Hankins Canada

# data[].attributes.subject
My post on GPP should have been in national.  Cate Hankins Canada

# data[].attributes.headline
Sabit, Ethiopia JBI is a great collaborator of us in Evidence synthesis and capacity building 

# data[].attributes.subject
Sabit, Ethiopia JBI is a great collaborator of us in Evidence synthesis and capacity building 

# data[].attributes.headline
Integrating Different goals for the same problems. Taking care of egos. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Integrating Different goals for the same problems. Taking care of egos. 

# data[].attributes.body
I am a drug discovery project Principal Investigator, working on the discovery of therapeutic leads from natural sources, which could be exploited for drug development. This is internationally (European Union/ AAS) funded and has enabled the creation of international (European) collaborations, mainly for technological transfer. My experience this far has been awesome and we are looking forward to how the evidence generated would be used for policy development in Cameroon and abraod.

# data[].attributes.headline
Jules UPENJIRWOTH (DRC) Yes, we are working on a project and People hello us, in the future, this collaboration can  BE very useful 

# data[].attributes.subject
Jules UPENJIRWOTH (DRC) Yes, we are working on a project and People hello us, in the future, this collaboration can  BE very useful 

# data[].attributes.headline
Una de las necesidades de apoyo es la construcción de capacidades de conocimiento a nivel local, que puedan ser adaptadas a las necesidades locales. El apoyo de proyectos que desarrollen, usen u monitoreen el uso de evidencia para la toma de decisiones con financiamiento de instituciones internacionales 

# data[].attributes.subject
Una de las necesidades de apoyo es la construcción de capacidades de conocimiento a nivel local, que puedan ser adaptadas a las necesidades locales. El apoyo de proyectos que desarrollen, usen u monitoreen el uso de evidencia para la toma de decisiones con financiamiento de instituciones internacionales 

# data[].attributes.headline
UWE and KMC support for research on Safe Trip Nepal (injury research: policy, medium, cure and prevention)

# data[].attributes.subject
UWE and KMC support for research on Safe Trip Nepal (injury research: policy, medium, cure and prevention)

# data[].attributes.body
My experience as a research scientist has enabled the training of younger researchers/students but collaborations with other national institutions are a bit slow.

# data[].attributes.headline
In 2003 in Nigeria, there was a misconception that the polio vaccine was unsafe. However it took the Federal Govt an effort to send some of the polio vaccines to labs outside the country for testing, include delegation of scholars nominated by these governments before they accepted this evidence that indeed the vaccine was safe. Without involving these govts and concerned stakeholders in demonstrating this evidence, the country would not have eradicated polio in 2020. Rilwan Raji WHO 

# data[].attributes.subject
In 2003 in Nigeria, there was a misconception that the polio vaccine was unsafe. However it took the Federal Govt an effort to send some of the polio vaccines to labs outside the country for testing, include delegation of scholars nominated by these governments before they accepted this evidence that indeed the vaccine was safe. Without involving these govts and concerned stakeholders in demonstrating this evidence, the country would not have eradicated polio in 2020. Rilwan Raji WHO 

# data[].attributes.body
Institutional capacity strengthening is slow and so does not give much visibility to my institute to improve on partnerships

# data[].attributes.body
The Immunization Partners of Asia Pacific or IPAP has been collaborating and partnering with various Asian organizations and institutions in Asia Pacific to hold biennial conferences since 2009 to raise value of vaccination and call to action such agencies to put vaccination at the forefront of health and economic growth!

# data[].attributes.body
ASsumptions that partners in the global south or LMICS are less experienced, corrupt, untrustworthy

# data[].attributes.body
At MESA, a malaria knowledge hub, we gather and share knowledge to inform decisions in the malaria space. Through collaboration with researchers, funding agencies, national malaria program managers and other stakeholders in the malaria space we are able to create effective avenues for knowledge sharing and synthesising of the same to bridge knowledge gaps

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A living database which captures research projects and institutions' portfolios in malaria elimination and eradication.

A growing archive of learning papers, conference abstract books and presentations, which are otherwise diffuse.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A living database which captures research projects and institutions' portfolios in malaria elimination and eradication. A growing archive of learning papers, conference abstract books and presentations, which are otherwise diffuse.

# data[].attributes.body
More funding and support for research support processes and procedures

# data[].attributes.body
Equity in partnerships as well as turnover affects relationships and trust in bridging groups

# data[].attributes.body
The PEERSS project allowed us to work with other country organizations, and learn from processes and challenges. It was encouraging to see the similarities among countries, and use others' experiences to circumvent some local challenges.

# data[].attributes.headline
We have very positive experience with international collaborations

# data[].attributes.subject
We have very positive experience with international collaborations

# data[].attributes.body
I'm Dr. Zarni from Myanmar, we worked with Dr. Fadi El-Jardali from American University of Beirut, Lebanon for a creation of Knowledge Broker Group - Myanmar (KBG-M). Although after the military coup halted our collaboration, we had very found memories and lesson learned from our experience. In the interim period we are working with ethnic communities leaders for E2P initiatives. https://www.communityofpractice-mm.org/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Community of Practice - Myanmar is a forum for health and humanitarian practitioners focused on Myanmar (Burma) to share knowledge, practice and experience, and support improved decision-making for and implementation of health and humanitarian initiatives.

The forum is accessible to verified users on application. To apply to join, please sign up in the forum:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Community of Practice - Myanmar is a forum for health and humanitarian practitioners focused on Myanmar (Burma) to share knowledge, practice and experience, and support improved decision-making...

# data[].attributes.body
Decolonisation
Understanding cultural and traditional practices
Accommodating socioeconomic and psychosocial perspectives
Fundamental resources - electricity, water and others
Common understanding the there needs to be an agreed outcome / set of outcomes with no one group garnering benefit

# data[].attributes.headline
Nepal Injury Research Centre: student development and research

# data[].attributes.subject
Nepal Injury Research Centre: student development and research

# data[].attributes.headline
User-centred co-produced materials for continued education for multiprofessional teams and for popular education in a citizen science initiative

# data[].attributes.subject
User-centred co-produced materials for continued education for multiprofessional teams and for popular education in a citizen science initiative

# data[].attributes.body
we are nucleating the first citizen science initiative in precision medicine in Brazil as a platform for an observatory in genomics medicine to enable the development and implementation of users-centred precision health approaches in Brazil as a LMIC, Global South, LATAM case study - we would love to collaborate with other citizen science or participatory methodological approaches researchers and implementers developing and/or implementing and/or evaluating complex health interventions - Sharmila Sousa, Associate Researcher, Universidade Federal de São Paulo

# data[].attributes.body
- Lack of prioritization of evidence-informed decision-making;
- Insufficient contextualized research evidence
- Lack of uptake of evidence provided to decision-makers

# data[].attributes.body
Although we were able to publish in a journal, developing a subsequent report, prove to be challenging in both funding and technical support.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Show authors

Health Research Policy and Systems 19, Article number: 153 (2021) Cite this article

2473 Accesses

2 Altmetric

Metrics

Abstract

Background

Globally, policy-makers face challenges to using evidence in health decision-making, particularly lack of interaction between research and policy. Knowledge-brokering mechanisms can fill research-policy gaps and facilitate evidence-informed policy-making. In Myanmar, the need to promote evidence-informed policy is significant, and thus a mechanism was set up for this purpose. This paper discusses lessons learned from the development of the Knowledge Broker Group-Myanmar (KBG-M), supported by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Applied Mental Health Research Group (JHU) and Community Partners International (CPI).

Methods

Sixteen stakeholders were interviewed to explore challenges in formulating evidence-informed policy. Two workshops were held: the first to further understand the needs of policy-makers and discuss knowledge-brokering approaches, and the second to co-create the KBG-M structure and process. The KBG-M was then envisioned as an independent body, with former officials of the Ministry of Health and Sports (MoHS) and representatives from the nongovernmental sector actively engaging in the health sector, with an official collaboration with the MoHS.

Results

A development task force that served as an advisory committee was established. Then, steps were taken to establish the KBG-M and obtain official recognition from the MoHS. Finally, when the technical agreement with the MoHS was nearly complete, the process stopped because of the military coup on 1 February 2021, and is now on hold indefinitely.

Conclusions

Learning from this process may be helpful for future or current knowledge-brokering efforts, particularly in fragile, conflict-affected settings. Experienced and committed advisory committee members enhanced stakeholder relationships. Responsive coordination mechanisms allowed for adjustments to a changing bureaucratic landscape. Coordination with similar initiatives avoided overlap and identified areas needing technical support. Recommendations to continue the work of the KBG-M itself or similar platforms include the following: increase resilience to contextual changes by ensuring diverse partnerships, maintain advisory committee members experienced and influential in the policy-making process, ensure strong organizational and funding support for effective functioning and sustainability, have budget and timeline flexibility to allow sufficient time and resources for establishment, organize ongoing needs assessments to identify areas needing technical support and to develop responsive corrective approaches, and conduct information sharing and collaboration between stakeholders to ensure alignment.

Peer Review reports

Background

Globally, policy-makers face a difficult challenge in allocating resources to deal with problems affecting the population effectively [ 1]. With growing health demand, policy-makers need to prioritize allocation of scarce resources to meet population health needs, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In deciding what issues to prioritize and how best to address these problems, one of the factors required is accurate and timely data on the nature and extent of issues and practical solutions. For instance, economic evaluation studies can provide rigorous data to inform and improve the healthcare decision-making process [ 15]. A second necessary factor is the skills and transparent processes to find out and use data effectively [ 1, 2, 3, 4]. Although evidence-informed decision-making is quite new to LMICs, studies indicate a willingness on the part of policy-makers to embrace use of evidence in the health policy development process because it is seen to have the potential to play an increasingly important role in strengthening the health systems and deciding priority public health interventions [ 16]. However, health policy-relevant research is often designed and conducted with little input from local policy-makers and, therefore, may not sufficiently address policy-makers' informational needs [ 1, 5, 6, 13]. A review of the global literature on this issue suggests that this is a common problem: little interaction and understanding between policy-makers and researchers results both in policy-making that is not as well informed by data and research as it could be, and in research that does not address policy-makers' priorities [ 1, 4, 5, 6]. A systematic review of studies conducted mainly in LMICs of sub-Saharan Africa, Central America and the Middle East reported that the main barriers to the use of data by policy-makers in decision-making included a lack of research availability, lack of relevant research, having no time or opportunity to use research evidence, lack of skill among policymakers and other users in research methods, and costs [ 1]. The findings of a multi-country study conducted with policy-makers in Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Malwi, Oman and Singapore showed that one of the substantial barriers in evidence-informed decision-making was poor communication between researchers and policy-makers and lack of a proper channel to disseminate research results [ 17].

Based on interviews with policy-makers and researchers, one significant recommendation from the global literature concerns the need for more interaction between policy-makers and researchers [ 6]. This entails not just single meetings, but a process of regular or irregular meetings in which information is shared and where policy-makers have input into designing research relevant to them and researchers can share their knowledge and expertise with policy-makers in ways that the policy-makers find helpful [ 6, 7]. Knowledge-brokering mechanisms are a promising strategy to fill this research-policy gap and foster optimal use of research findings and evidence in policy-making [ 7]. Globally, knowledge translation platforms or knowledge-brokering mechanisms have been put in place to link health research with policy development and implementation. Examples of these come from Evidence-informed Policy Networks (EVIPNet) established by WHO to promote the systematic and transparent use of health research evidence in policy-making, focusing on LMICs. [ 8]. Evaluations have shown that many knowledge translation platforms/knowledge-brokering mechanisms have contributed to increased awareness of the importance of evidence-based decision-making and strengthened relationships among policy-makers, stakeholders and researchers [ 9].

With Myanmar's commitment to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030, the need to promote evidence-informed policy has become increasingly important [ 10]. This need was recognized by Johns Hopkins University (JHU), Community Partners International (CPI) and the Ministry of Health and Sports, and was the basis for this project. JHU and CPI had taken initiatives to organize a knowledge broker group in Myanmar with the funding support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Victims of Torture Fund (Award No. AID-OAA-LA-15-00003).

In addition to the CPI-JHU effort in Myanmar, knowledge translation initiatives have been attempted by international organizations in collaboration with the Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports (MoHS). The Data to Policy (D2P) training course (2019-2020) implemented by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Data for Health Initiative aimed to build MoHS staff's capacity to use data and analytical methods to develop new policy recommendations [ 11]. The Department of Medical Research (DMR)'s collaboration with WHO's Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) has conducted operational research capacity-building through Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT) courses since 2015, in which one module was developing policy briefs [ 12, 14]. DMR also conducted a Translating Research into Policy and Practice (TRIP) training workshop in 2019 to strengthen the capacity of programme staff, researchers and academics to translate research evidence into policy and practice.

Methods

In 2015, JHU started to interview policy-makers in Myanmar with the aim of understanding their needs as related to evidence-informed decision-making. The process used by JHU was based on the EVIPNet materials and advice from individuals involved in existing EVIPNet platforms. The first step was exploration of needs through individual in-depth interviews with key public health policy-makers. A total of 16 interviews were conducted with advisors to the MoHS, country representatives of both international and national nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and directors or secretaries of community-based organizations.

Then, JHU collaborated with CPI, which was working with the MoHS on activities related to UHC and Myanmar's National Health Plan (NHP). Together with cooperation from CPI and the NHP Implementation Monitoring Unit (NIMU) of the MoHS, a series of workshops were organized in Nay Pyi Taw to support the development of a knowledge broker system and to understand the needs of in-country researchers to participate in this knowledge broker system. The structure of the workshops was a combination of presentations and working subgroup interactive discussions.

The first workshop was organized in November 2017, with the objectives to understand the needs of Myanmar policy-makers in formulating evidence-informed policy, describe approaches to formulating evidence-informed policy and familiarize the role of research in informing policy. It was attended by a total of 38 stakeholders from the MoHS, NGOs, universities, international donors and a private organization. The second workshop was organized in April 2018, with the aim of identifying the structure for a knowledge broker group that could support evidence-informed health policy in Myanmar and formulate a process and parameters for developing such a system. A total of 40 participants from the MoHS, NGOs, university and international donors attended the workshop.

The commitment from the stakeholders in the workshop led to taking steps to formally establish the Knowledge Broker Group-Myanmar (KBG-M), including the formation of a development task force which served as an advisory committee and a series of advisory committee meetings. Advisory committee members were recruited through the CPI and JHU existing networks and included senior public health advisors who were former officials of the MoHS and representatives from NGOs and civil society organizations (CSOs) actively engaging in the health sector, particularly in research and policy components. CPI and JHU focused on inviting individuals involved in developing the NHP (2017-2021), which was the first-ever strategic direction toward UHC in Myanmar. Their participation as an advisory committee member was voluntary, and commitment was maintained by their passion, desire and vision for facilitating evidence-informed policy in Myanmar. They were highly committed to the development process in terms of contributing their expertise and coordinating with the MoHS, as they were champions of the country's health system and had been involved in public health decision-making for many years, with a strong willingness to improve it.

The structure of the KBG-M was designed to have a leader group-Board of Chairs (BoC)-and a Core Group (CG). While the CG would be the working group for knowledge translation, policy advocacy and communications, BoC members would provide overall guidance and advice to the CG. The primary role of the KBG-M would be to facilitate evidence-informed policy in Myanmar by developing policy briefs, organizing policy dialogues, linking researchers and policy-makers, and answering policy questions. The initial approach was to form the KBG-M with membership from both the MoHS and NGO professionals, with the assumption that involving government policy-makers in the group would enhance KBG-M's role in facilitating policy advocacy. However, the MoHS Minister requested that all MoHS staff be removed from the proposed list of direct members of the KBG-M to reduce any conflict of interest. With this change, the Minister agreed to have the KBG-M formed as a technical affiliation to the MoHS. Following this, the advisory committee continued engagement with MoHS for signing the technical agreement. Given this agreement from the MoHS, the task force decided to organize KBG-M as an independent body while having an official collaboration with the MoHS. In terms of thematic areas, it was decided that KBG-M would cover a wide range of topics under a broad public health umbrella, especially the areas which would be identified as foundations for UHC, instead of focusing on only a few specific topics.

Most of the meetings took place in Yangon, with submission of administrative documents to Naypyitaw. However, starting in early 2020, communication shifted to primarily remote due to COVID-19 restrictions. Each advisory committee member took responsibility for communication with respective MoHS stakeholders, leveraging personal relationships to be more effective. Secretariat members from CPI took charge of making appointments and organizing meetings and follow-ups, as well as financial management, since CPI managed the funds from USAID to support KBG-M activities.

Results

In the initial in-depth interviews, the needs of policy-makers expressed included (1) technical assistance from researchers, (2) leadership skills training, (3) more data on issues related to health, and (4) input from the community and partners. They also described challenges to creating policy, including (1) the current top-down policy-making process, so that policy does not derive from evidence or input from knowledgeable individuals in the field; (2) lack of a process for communication between policy-makers and researchers. preventing access to existing relevant data and planning of appropriate research to fill data gaps; and (3) varying opinions about what the policy process should look like in terms of who gives input, how decisions are made, and the level of engagement needed from policy-makers and key stakeholders.

In the first workshop, the participants showed a clear interest in learning and using methods for formulating evidence-informed policy. They also recognized the need for better communication mechanisms between researchers and policy-makers through a knowledge broker group and the need for synthesized evidence and knowledge to fill policy gaps. The request was for communication to be more frequent and for there to be better summaries of information that more closely fit with the focus/needs of policy-makers. During the second workshop, the stakeholders developed a proposed structure for the KBG-M and prioritized the possible roles of the KBG-M based on other countries' experiences.

These workshops led to the formation of the Development Task Force in October 2018, a 10-member advisory committee whose terms of reference (TOR) focused on establishing the KBG-M. Members included senior public health advisors who were former officials of the MoHS and representatives from NGOs and CSOs actively engaging in the health sector. This advisory committee met approximately monthly to work on establishment of the KBG-M.

From 2018 until early 2021, advisory committee meetings were organized, and steps were taken to formally organize the KBG-M, including seeking official recognition from the MoHS. Along with the advisory committee's formation, CPI staff members of the advisory committee took on the role of secretariat to coordinate both within the advisory committee and between the advisory committee and external stakeholders.

From August 2019 to October 2019, the advisory committee engaged with the key MoHS officials, including the Minister, to explain the KBG-M concept and seek their opinion and commitment towards establishing the KBG-M. Feedback from those officials was positive, with the Minister, in particular, providing positive remarks and requesting that the advisory committee formally submit the KBG-M proposal to the MoHS.

Therefore, TOR were prepared and submitted to the MoHS in November 2019. The Minister expressed his belief in the importance of an intermediary organization such as the KBG-M to support the Myanmar health system. In accordance with his request to proceed with the official submission process, the advisory committee prepared and submitted a concept note detailing the KBG-M scope and activities to the International Relations Department (IRD) of the MoHS in May 2020. At the same time, the advisory committee also engaged with potential KBG-M members who were senior officials from the MoHS, university rectors and representatives from leading NGOs and professional bodies. The committee also engaged with stakeholders from similar initiatives, such as focal points for the D2P programme and TRIP trainings, to discuss how the KBG-M could collaborate with existing initiatives and fill gaps.

All potential members agreed to be involved in the KBG-M. The concept note was revised and submitted again to the IRD according to their comments. In September 2020, the Minister officially approved the concept note for the KBG-M. However, upon his request, all MoHS staff were removed from being directly involved as members of the KBG-M to reduce any conflict of interest. Instead, the Minister agreed to have the KBG-M formed as a technical affiliation to the MoHS by assigning a deputy director general from IRD to serve as a direct focal point from the MoHS to the KBG-M. Spaces left vacant upon the removal of MoHS officials were filled by members of the advisory committee who were nominated by the advisory committee and agreed to volunteer.

In October 2020, the advisory committee successfully submitted the revised documents for a final technical cooperation agreement (TCA) with the MoHS. Revisions included noting that representatives from local organizations working on peace and conflict resolution should be included in the KBG-M given their significant contribution to the health policy process in Myanmar. In addition, advisory committee members identified the involvement of international technical advisory experts as being important to the KBG-M establishment and long-term sustainability; therefore, this was added to the TCA document, and preparatory steps were also taken to engage technical assistance from the K2P Center at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. This link-up with international experts was essential, because the K2P Center was a member of EVIPNet and thus could facilitate more international linkage as a way of building practice from that platform and provide technical assistance to the KBG-M by sharing their experiences and expertise on how KBG-M should be developed and should function, including exploring potential funding resources.

The TCA signing process was expected to be completed quickly (in October 2020), according to an informal discussion between an advisory committee member and the Minister. However, there were delays because of lengthy official procedures due to COVID-19 and IRD's additional steps to request comments from all departments under the MoHS.

Comments were only received in the second week of December, most of which were positive, agreeing with the terms of the TCA with only minor suggestions. IRD revised the TCA accordingly and submitted it to the Minister for his final review. In early January 2021, the Minister approved the TCA, and IRD did a final check of legal obligation in the agreement. In the last week of January 2021, the Attorney General's office confirmed that there was no legal obligation in the TCA, and it was sent back to IRD. Although there was a plan to follow up with IRD in early February, the process stopped because of the military's unexpected takeover of state power on 1 February 2021. Following this, most civil servants, including MoHS staff, became involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement and left their positions in protest of the military coup. As the formal health system under the MoHS stopped functioning after 1 February 2021, the process is now on hold indefinitely.

Discussion

Initial steps taken to form the KBG-M, including interviews, discussions, workshops, establishing the advisory committee and seeking technical agreement with the MoHS, encompassed a period of 5 years (late 2015 to early 2021). While this was longer than we had anticipated or understood it would be from similar initiatives, there were several necessary steps, along with unexpected events, that slowed the process. One example of a necessary step was the coordination of the various meetings and workshops, which took a great deal of time, but were necessary to ensure that appropriate and relevant individuals were included. These workshops formed the base of the KBG-M development and provided a unique opportunity for stakeholders not only to learn about other similar platforms, but to have a facilitated way in which to discuss, debate and ultimately decide on the utility of a knowledge translation platform in Myanmar and its structure. In addition, invitations to individuals to join the advisory committee took time and slowed the process, but were necessary to make sure appropriate and relevant individuals were included. Involving a diverse group of people whose support was needed was a challenge. In addition, there was a need to form a small, committed and diverse group of the advisory committee to help move this process forward.

Having advisory committee members with strong commitment and extensive expertise played a vital role throughout the process. Advisory committee members included former senior public health officials and representatives from NGOs and CSOs influential in the Myanmar health system. Their reputation and strong relationships with senior public health officials from MoHS contributed considerably to convincing key stakeholders of the need for the KBG-M and accelerating the necessary steps in seeking approval. In addition, having a committed and well-organized secretariat group from CPI was essential to facilitating effective communication with key stakeholders and ensuring the provision of necessary administrative support to the advisory committee.

The KBG-M was intended to be an autonomous or semi-autonomous body, but an official communication channel with the MoHS was seen as important, so commitment from high-level policy-makers such as the Minister was essential. This level of commitment would ensure that the Minister assigned a department focal person to collaborate with the advisory committee, providing that critical link. However, attempting to obtain this commitment from the MoHS brought challenges and delays. Being closely aligned with the MoHS was eventually prioritized by the local stakeholders during the workshops because of the legitimacy it would confer to the KBG-M, although advisory committee members continually considered the pros and cons of alternative, more independent forms of institutionalization.

One of the key lessons learned from the process is that a knowledge-brokering mechanism designed to collaborate with government officials will need a coordination mechanism that can effectively respond to changing political dynamics. Despite a smooth transition in communication from NIMU to IRD, the need for a concrete plan to respond to political changes is a clear issue for future steps. Most importantly, overly investing in and having success contingent upon one stakeholder, in this case the MoHS, was a barrier to the establishment and sustainability of the KBG-M, which might have been avoided with a more diverse and equitable partnership. Because political crises and other unforeseen events can impact initiatives such as the KBG-M, it is necessary to have contingency plans in place regarding how the formation and functioning of the KBG-M can continue even under such circumstances.

As stated by many MoHS officials and advisory committee members, the concept of the KBG-M had a potential conflict of interest with similar initiatives. Coordination with relevant stakeholders in other initiatives enabled the KBG-M to avoid duplications of effort with these similar mechanisms and increased KBG-M's ability to fill key gaps. Once it is established, we believe that the KBG-M will be able to collaborate with them by offering a communication platform to deliver their knowledge translation products to policy-makers, for which more in-depth consultations with relevant groups would be needed to design such an efficient knowledge broker system.

Finally, JHU's existing network of health policy experts and the development of a relationship with international institutions such as the K2P Center paved the way for technical assistance to the KBG-M. However, it is important to identify areas that could be strengthened by outside technical support early on, and to bring those advisors and technical experts into the process earlier rather than later. In addition, it is essential to seek out technical experts who can complement the existing expertise in the advisory committee and the KBG-M, and that recognize and wish to support a KBG-M that is wholly owned by local stakeholders.

Some key lessons learned were related to unanticipated events, including natural disaster and significant political changes, which resulted in recognition of the need to have response mechanisms in place to overcome challenges resulting from those types of situations. COVID-19-induced travel restrictions hindered effective communication and advocacy with high-level stakeholders from the MoHS, because regular communication with MoHS officials was conducted via phone or online meetings, which was less effective and more challenging than in-person communication. On the other hand, remote communication through online meetings essentially improved communication and access to the advisory committee members, as online meetings allowed people to join from their own location and increased their availability to be more involved on a regular basis. Finally, the unexpected February 2021 military coup made it impossible to start the KBG-M as planned and highlighted the importance of preparation to overcome challenges in those situations.

Recommendations

Utilizing these lessons learned during the process of establishing the KBG-M to date, the following are key recommendations to assist continued work on the KBG-M itself or similar knowledge broker platforms in the future.

To increase resilience to changes in political structures and priorities, ensure that the platform is established and maintained through diverse partnerships that take into account a variety of stakeholders, paying particular attention to CSOs and considering different options of institutionalization.

As was essential to the work described in this document, maintain advisory committee members who have experience with and are influential in the policy-making process in order to facilitate effective advocacy.

For increased effectiveness of functioning and longer-term sustainability, strong attention should be paid to organizational buy-in to support the platform, as well as donor funding and human resources to sustain the platform.

Because the process for establishing knowledge translation platforms is known to take time, it is essential that there is flexibility regarding the budget and timeline to allow sufficient time and resources for the overall establishment of the platform.

Since the development process may be impacted by unforeseeable events, preparations should be taken to have contingency plans in place to overcome challenges from those situations.

Initial and ongoing needs assessments are necessary to identify areas where expert technical support can most effectively support the platform and its work with policy-makers, to avoid duplicate work and waste of resources, and to serve as benchmark measures for responsive corrective approaches that strengthen the development and functioning of knowledge translation platforms.

Information sharing and collaboration between the platform, similar initiatives and other stakeholders should be conducted to ensure alignment and coordination.

Conclusions

Evidence-informed policy is essential for Myanmar's low-resource setting to achieve UHC. There were previous knowledge translation initiatives prior to the KBG-M to promote evidence-informed decision-making; however, most of them were related to short-term capacity-building and knowledge-sharing activities. The KBG-M concept was the first of its kind to facilitate evidence-informed policy by establishing an intermediary mechanism as an ongoing system for broader scope on health issues. That is why several challenges, especially delays and unanticipated steps in seeking official agreement with the MoHS, were encountered throughout the process, along with opportunities and achievements.

Despite the advisory committee and secretariat team's close coordination, the unanticipated effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic certainly delayed ministerial procedures further. The 1 February 2021 military coup prevented the signing of an official agreement of the KBG-M with the MoHS. These represent two exceptional obstacles that could not be overcome within the current model of the KBG-M. Progress has nevertheless been made. Myanmar public health policy-makers have recognized the need for an intermediary mechanism between research and policy to promote evidence-informed decision-making. This role could have been fulfilled by the KBG-M once it was established and may be demanded again when political stability returns.

Despite the fact that the KBG-M establishment has not yet been fully accomplished due to current political instabilities, experiences from the development process provide insights to guide future KBG-M work itself or other similar initiatives, both in Myanmar and abroad.

Given the recent political instability, the KBG-M advisory committee decided to organize the KBG-M with representatives from NGOs, CSOs and ethnic health organizations (EHOs) who are actively engaged in public health programmes. Instead of the MoHS as the target audience, the KBG-M will aim to engage and work directly with NGOs, EHOs, CSOs and development partners who make programming and funding policy decisions. KBG-M will also work with other knowledge translation initiatives, including the newly formed Communities of Practice led by CPI, to gather updated policy interests and questions and, ultimately, provide policy recommendations.

Availability of data and materials

Abbreviations

CPI:

Community Partners International

CSO:

Civil society organization

D2P:

Data to Policy initiative by Bloomberg Data for Health Initiative

EHO:

Ethnic health organization

EVIPNet:

Evidence-informed Policy Network

IRD:

International Relations Department, Ministry of Health and Sports

JHU:

Johns Hopkins University

K2P Center:

Knowledge to Policy Center at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon

KBG-M:

Knowledge Broker Group-Myanmar

MoHS:

Ministry of Health and Sports

NGO:

Nongovernmental organization

NHP:

National Health Plan

NIMU:

National Health Plan Implementation Monitoring Unit

SORT IT:

Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative

TCA:

Technical cooperation agreement

TRIP:

Translating research into policy and practice

UHC:

Universal health coverage

WHO TDR:

WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases

References

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the members of the advisory committee, who have tirelessly supported the KBG-M development process. The authors would also like to specifically acknowledge the contribution of public health stakeholders who participated in interviews, and Dr. Fadi El Jardali and his team at the K2P Center for overall guidance and contributions to the development of the KBG-M.

Funding

The development process of the KBG-M and writing of manuscript was financially supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Victims of Tortures Fund (Award No. AID-OAA-LA-15-00003). However, USAID had no direct involvement in developing KBG-M and writing manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

1. Community Partners International, 81 University Avenue Road, Shwe Taung Gyar Ward (1), Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar

Pyone Yadanar Paing, Zarni Lynn Kyaw, Tom Traill, Si Thura & Hnin Hnin Tha Myint

2. Department of Mental Health, Global Mental Health Research Group, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, United States of America

Matthew Schojan, Paul Bolton & Catherine Lee

3. Public Health Professional, Yangon, Myanmar

Nilar Tin

4. Anthropology Department, Ramanya Hall, Yangon University, Yangon University PO, Yangon, Myanmar

Than-Tun Sein

Contributions

PP, ZK, CL, MS and TT contributed equally to the development of this manuscript, while the remaining authors contributed comments and specific information. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pyone Yadanar Paing.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that there are no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver ( http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data.
Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Paing, P.Y., Kyaw, Z.L., Schojan, M. et al. Development of a knowledge broker group to support evidence-informed policy: lessons learned from Myanmar. Health Res Policy Sys 19, 153 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-021-00806-x
Download citation

Received:

Accepted:

Published:

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-021-00806-x

Keywords

Knowledge translation platform

Evidence-informed decision-making

Health policy

Myanmar

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Development of a knowledge broker group to support evidence-informed policy: lessons learned from Myanmar - Health Research Policy and Systems

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Background Globally, policy-makers face challenges to using evidence in health decision-making, particularly lack of interaction between research and policy. Knowledge-brokering mechanisms can fill research-policy gaps and facilitate evidence-informed policy-making. In Myanmar, the need to promote evidence-informed policy is significant, and thus a mechanism was set up for this purpose.

# data[].attributes.body
Support is required to engage other actors especially from developing countries/south globe to build their capacities and network with other advancing bodies/entities such as academia/UN/policy makers/thinktanks etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Training/guidance on facilitating citizens' engagement and driving decision-makers' uptake of evidence.

# data[].attributes.body
We now use Zoom mainly for our monthly meeting because we are struggling for funding in Myanmar.

# data[].attributes.headline
International Public Policy Observatory - UK 

# data[].attributes.subject
International Public Policy Observatory - UK 

# data[].attributes.body
International Public Policy Observatory https://theippo.co.uk/ We work with policymakers from different regions in the UK. We discuss with key stakeholders to identify key policy issues. Currently, we are developing systems maps and rapid evidence reviews to engage with stakeholders during roundtables.  - Mukdarut

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The International Public Policy Observatory | IPPO

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mobilising global knowledge to address the social impacts of COVID-19.

# data[].attributes.body
Through the Ministry of Trade and Industry i was actively involved in negotiations and implementation of the AfCFTA, a trade agreement between 54 African Union member states. The ministry worked towards creating a single market for goods and services in Africa, promoting intra-African trade, fostering economic integration and promoting sustainable economic development and safe environment

# data[].attributes.body
The Ministry plays a key role in coordinating the work of trade facilitation committees in Ghana. These committees bring together representatives from various government agencies, private sector organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to address trade-related challenges and promote a conducive business environment. The Ministry also provides the necessary guidance and leadership to ensure effective coordination and implementation of trade facilitation measures.

# data[].attributes.body
The following are the challenges and solutions in the area of ecosystems evidence:

1. limited awareness and understanding among stakeholders about the importance and benefits of such collaborations.
To overcome this there should more awareness creation and capacity building

2. Diverse stakeholder interests and priorities amongst individuals and state Agencies.
To overcome this there should be a promotion of a share goals and objectives

3. Poor coordination and communication among collaborators.
There should  be improvement of coordination and communication

By addressing these challenges and implementing these solutions, collaborations and partnerships in the area of ecosystems evidence can overcome obstacles and achieve greater success in promoting sustainable ecosystem management and evidence-based decision-making.

# data[].attributes.body
Provision of Capacity building and technical training and funding