New strategy approved by Joint Coordinating Board
Focus on implementation research and strengthening research capacity in low- and middle-income countries
20 June 2012 -- TDR’s top governing body has accepted the strategy and reorganization plan proposed by the new director, Dr John Reeder, at its annual meeting that ended 20 June. The Joint Coordinating Board (JCB) agreed with the increased focus on intervention and implementation research, research capacity strengthening and knowledge management. Dr Reeder outlined the concepts of identifying strategies and products that currently work but are not used effectively or scaled up in low- and middle-income countries, and conducting research that will help get public health measures widely implemented in those countries.
“To make progress against the diseases of poverty, we have to get all the available health tools in use,” he told the board. “This is a critical step – too many women and children are dying of preventable or manageable diseases, too many families are struggling with long-term disabilities. But this can change by learning how to better use the right tools at the right time and in the right place.”
The new vision focuses the programme on building the capacity for better interactions between researchers and public health implementers in their own countries, and making sure that what is known is set in place for increased access to health services for those in the remotest and poorest settings.
“This new strategy is so important,” said JCB Chair Sue Kinn. “It utilises the best skills and experience from TDR to help the most vulnerable.”
For more information, please contact:
Jamie Guth
TDR Communications Manager
Telephone: +41 79 441 2289
E-mail: guthj@who.int