Identifying priority problems and knowledge gaps
HRP/RHR has initiated a multi-pronged process to identify country and regional needs. This process will look into all major causes of maternal and perinatal mortality and will guide other knowledge to action framework activities such as evidence-based guidelines and their implementation. The focus in this project is on identifying the guidance needs (from WHO or internationally) by the countries and regions. To achieve this stake-holders at the country, regional and international levels will be contacted using various approaches.
Survey of stakeholders
The stakeholders for WHO guidance comprise large and diverse groups of individuals and organizations. The primary audience is the ministries of health and WHO Country and Regional Office counter parts. As part of the process, WHO is keen to get feedback from donor agencies, nongovernmental organizations and individuals.
The survey focuses on strategies to reduce maternal and perinatal deaths at the facility and community level keeping in mind the steps in the knowledge transfer and exchange process.
E-discussion using the Implementing Best Practices Knowledge Gateway (IBP-KG)
The IBP-KG is a frequently used platform by various communities concerned with sexual and reproductive health. These moderated discussions capture input from programme managers, researchers and policy-makers.
HRP/RHR meetings
The survey questionnaire will be used at meetings such as the meetings of reproductive health advisors, regional advisory panels and the scientific and technical advisory group to get feedback from experts.
EVIPNET workshop
Evidence Informed Policy Networks are regional networks bringing together researchers, policy makers and programme managers. These workshops are useful in identifying local policy and practice issues as well as identifying local evidence. One workshop will be conducted in Africa.
Uncertainties in maternal and perinatal health care web portal
A web portal of uncertainties in maternal and perinatal health will be developed. The portal will include research priorities identified in Cochrane reviews, RHL commentaries, WHO guidelines and will be linked to a maternal and perinatal health search function in the International Clinical Trials Registry portal.
UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction Department of Reproductive Health and Research: (last revised: June 2010). World Health Organization.