HIFA is working with TDR, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases at WHO, to explore good practice in communicating health research evidence to support evidence-informed policymaking.
Background
'Evidence-informed health policymaking is an approach to policy decisions that aims to ensure that decision making is well-informed by the best available research evidence. It is characterised by the systematic and transparent access to, and appraisal of, evidence as an input into the policymaking process.' (
Oxman A et al 2009)
TDR and HIFA have previously supported three major thematic discussions on the HIFA forums: country-level policymaking, implementation research and systematic reviews (see
HIFA Evidence Informed Policy and Practice).
What we shall do
We now turn our attention to the information needs of policymakers and how these needs can be more effectively met. This project will look at how research is packaged and communicated, including for example the role of policy briefs as well as videos, social media and newsletter content.
HIFA will host a 4-week in-depth discussion in June-July on the HIFA forums, supported by a working group of TDR staff and HIFA volunteers. There is currently funding for one thematic discussion, with potential for further work in the future.
Who can participate?
We invite anyone with an interest in health to join these discussions. This includes health professionals, community health workers, members of civil society, policy makers, and people working in the field of research communication.
How does it work?
HIFA members receive a daily compilation of messages from the previous 24 hours, sent by email to their personal inbox.
All contributions are assessed and approved for distribution to HIFA's 20,000+ members worldwide
Your contributions will synthesised and offered to the wider research and policymaking community.
How to join?
If you are already a HIFA member, then you do not need to take action. The discussion will take place on the HIFA forum.
If you are not already a HIFA member, you can join
here (free).
HIFA and TDR: Working together for a world where every policymaker has access to the reliable health information they need for evidence-informed policymaking
Contact: Neil Pakenham-Walsh, HIFA Global Coordinator:
neil@hifa.org
