Communicating health research (83) Q4. What are the needs and preferences of policymakers? (6) Global and local synthesis (4)

26 September, 2022

I have a question for you. Do you have any experience with the WHO approach to policymaking, whether from the point of view of a guideline developer, researcher, information professional or policymaker? Whether at global or country level?

My (basic) understanding is that WHO produces international guidance that is made available to member states to help inform policy. Member states consider the global guidance in their own context and alongside relevant local research, and use these to develop policy.

Can anyone describe in more detail how this works? In particular, can you describe a case study where WHO guidance was adapted to inform national policy?

Also, what actually happens when global evidence (for example from WHO guidance) is synthesised with local evidence? Can you describe a situation where this has worked (or where it hasn't?).

Best wishes, Neil

Joint Coordinator, HIFA Communicating health research https://www.hifa.org/projects/new-effective-communication-health-researc...

Let's build a future where every person has access to reliable healthcare information and is protected from misinformation - Join HIFA: www.hifa.org

HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of the HIFA global health movement (Healthcare Information For All - www.hifa.org ), a global community with more than 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting on six global forums in four languages in collaboration with WHO. HIFA brings stakeholders together to accelerate progress towards universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK based non-profit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Twitter: @hifa_org neil AT hifa.org