Health Research Systems Analysis (HRSA) Initiative
What is HRSA?
- More than 20 countries and national focal points are participating in the pilot phase to describe and analyze national health research systems, with the main phase to be launched in 2004
- In-depth case studies are being conducted primarily in middle- and low- income countries, to describe, analyze and identify opportunities to strengthen national health research capacities and better align research with health systems' needs
- Additional projects with partners cover other contemporary issues, such as ethics of research (JHSPH)
- A process to facilitate sharing of experiences, practices & potential policy options within and across countries
- Eventually, the development of a set of interventions aimed at strengthening national human & institutional capacities and creating an enabling environment to produce & apply knowledge particularly within the health system
HRSA is not:
- Not limited to Ministries of Health - but rather a problem-solving approach with the participation of many sectors - public & private, education, science & technology, environment, media, etc.
- Not limited to biomedical research - but rather a multi-disciplinary understanding of health related research to guide health systems' development
- Not limited to "researchers" - but all professionals engaged in critically reviewing and updating health practices
- Not limited to WHO headquarters - but rather involving several WHO technical and research programs, all Regional offices and participating country offices