Publications
Current approaches to national health research systems analysis and strengthening: a brief overview of the WHO health research system analysis initiative
This paper introduces the health research system analysis (HRSA) initiative that WHO is coordinating with a range of partners and governments to develop collectively concepts, tools and methods to better describe and analyze the processes involved in the management, production and utilization of health research; and to provide leadership and advocacy on the need for a system's perspective on health research and use of knowledge gained within health systems. The paper also presents a brief version of the conceptual framework for health research systems, and summarizes collaborative research projects and country-based studies involving a broad range of actors. Approximately 15 countries and national teams primarily in low- and middle-income countries are currently involved. The paper concludes by outlining the remaining phases of the comprehensive studies and by noting that these activities are aimed to strengthen capacity and the management of health research systems in countries and facilitate sharing of experiences across countries and regions.