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Banskota B, Bhusal R, Yadav PK, Baidya JL, Banskota AK. Unlocking potential: innovative "private-non-profit" partnership for empowering children with disabilities in resource-limited settings in Nepal. Front Public Health 2025; 13:1438992. [PMID: 40046121 PMCID: PMC11879793 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1438992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2025] [Indexed: 05/13/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Physical disabilities affect approximately 240 million children globally, with limited access to comprehensive care in resource-constrained settings. In Nepal, an estimated 2% of children under 16 experience physical disabilities, facing significant barriers to healthcare access, education, and social integration. Traditional healthcare models often struggle to provide affordable, accessible, and sustainable care for these children. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of an innovative private-nonprofit partnership model between the Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children (HRDC) and B&B Hospital in Nepal, designed to provide comprehensive care for children with physical disabilities in resource-limited settings. Methods The study analyzes a 40-year experience implementing a unique healthcare delivery model combining HRDC's non-profit expertise with B&B Hospital's private sector resources. The model integrates four key components: identification through mobile camps and community outreach, comprehensive medical treatment, rehabilitation services, and social reintegration programs. Results The partnership achieved a 62% reduction in treatment costs compared to private healthcare institutions. Over 40 years, HRDC has performed more than 55,000 surgeries, benefiting over 116,000 children surgically. The program has distributed 100,000+ assistive devices, raised disability awareness among 1.5 million+ people, and trained over 700 primary rehabilitation therapists. The model's community-based approach has enabled coverage of all 77 districts in Nepal through rotating mobile clinics. Conclusion The HRDC-B&B partnership demonstrates that private-nonprofit collaboration can effectively address healthcare barriers for children with physical disabilities in resource-limited settings. The model's success in combining cost efficiency, quality care, and community integration provides a replicable framework for similar interventions in other developing countries. Key factors for success include diverse funding sources, strong community engagement, and integrated service delivery under one roof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibek Banskota
- Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children (HRDC), Banepa, Nepal
- B&B Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Rajan Bhusal
- Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children (HRDC), Banepa, Nepal
| | - Prakash Kumar Yadav
- Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children (HRDC), Banepa, Nepal
| | | | - Ashok Kumar Banskota
- Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children (HRDC), Banepa, Nepal
- B&B Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal
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Dhillon S, Luginaah I, Elliott SJ, Nagawa J, Niwagaba RA. 'We're More Prepared than Before: Understanding the Strategies Used by a Non-governmental Organization During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. COMMUNITY HEALTH EQUITY RESEARCH & POLICY 2025:2752535X251317651. [PMID: 39888823 DOI: 10.1177/2752535x251317651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2025]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on populations worldwide, particularly on older adults residing in low - and middle-income countries. Due to these negative impacts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) provided extensive support, which affected their operations. METHODS Using the social resilience framework, the purpose of this study was to better understand what strategies NGOs used to support vulnerable populations and how they are building back stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the fall of 2022, 26 (virtual) in-depth interviews were conducted with staff and volunteers from an NGO supporting older adults in Uganda. RESULTS Several key themes emerged including using existing resources to better support older adults and staff and the importance of having multiple sources of revenue to support organizational operations. DISCUSSION The key lessons learned by NGO staff and volunteers can be utilized to enact policy and practice change to help strengthen NGOs' social resilience. This would allow them to continue implementing innovative strategies to support vulnerable populations during times of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satveer Dhillon
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Isaac Luginaah
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Susan J Elliott
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Amos A, Guerra C, Reid C, Toro E, Calia C. Exploring ethical practice in NGOS on mental health research in Malawi. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003001. [PMID: 38603700 PMCID: PMC11008845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, an increasing trend in mental health research has been to collaborate with non-governmental organizations [NGOs] and their constituents. However, ethical difficulties can arise as a result of such partnerships. Understanding the ethics-related practices of NGOs engaged in mental health research is therefore critical. This study addressed these questions in a Malawian context. The goal of this study was to investigate NGO's ethical practices in relation to mental health research by identifying characteristics that influence ethical practices and investigating staff conceptualization of ethics and mental health. Twenty individuals who work for different local NGOs took part in one-on-one interviews or a workshop about their engagement in diverse research initiatives. They pinpointed the areas that needed improvement, as well as the challenges and chances to create partnerships and increase research capability. The diversity in conceptualizing mental health was a key influence on research practices, with heterogeneity in definitions reflected in the use of cultural, spiritual, behavioural, or medical terms. Notably, there was also a greater emphasis on procedural ethics than ethics-in-practice. Collaboration dynamics and limited staffing capacity were cited as major ethical practice considerations. Each of these elements have an impact on NGOs' ethical behaviour when conducting mental health research. Participants in the study saw engagement with notions of both ethics and mental health as lacking or rudimentary in their institutions and felt that they needed to be improved through capacity building and stronger research involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Action Amos
- School of Health in Social Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Epilepsy Movers, Blantyre, Malawi
- Pan African Network for persons with Psychosocial Disabilities, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Cristobal Guerra
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Comunicaciones, Universidad Santo Tomás, Santiago, Chile
| | - Corinne Reid
- Global Health Academy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Edgardo Toro
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Comunicaciones, Universidad Santo Tomás, Santiago, Chile
| | - Clara Calia
- School of Health in Social Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Sanadgol A, Doshmangir L, Khodayari-Zarnaq R, Sergeevich Gordeev V. Role of non-governmental organizations in moving toward universal health coverage: A case study in Iran. Front Public Health 2022; 10:985079. [PMID: 36339208 PMCID: PMC9633275 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.985079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Delivering essential health services through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) could facilitate moving toward universal health coverage (UHC), especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study investigates the viewpoints of Iranian health system experts and executive stakeholders on the role of NGOs in moving toward UHC. Method We conducted 33 semi-structured interviews with health policymakers, NGO representatives at the national and provincial level, and other key informants and analyzed using content analyses methods, using MAXQDA 12. The inductive-deductive approach was used for qualitative data analyses. Result Based on the thematic analysis of interviews and document reviews, nine main themes and one hundred and five sub-themes were identified. Each theme was categorized based on NGO-, society-, and government-related factors. Conclusion Recognizing the critical role of NGOs and their contribution in moving toward UHC is essential, particularly in the local context. Collaboration between NGO stakeholders and the government could facilitate moving toward UHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Sanadgol
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Doshmangir
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vladimir Sergeevich Gordeev
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Masefield SC, Msosa A, Chinguwo FK, Grugel J. Stakeholder engagement in the health policy process in a low income country: a qualitative study of stakeholder perceptions of the challenges to effective inclusion in Malawi. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:984. [PMID: 34537033 PMCID: PMC8449519 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07016-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inclusive engagement in healthcare policies and decision-making is essential to address the needs of patients and communities, reduce health inequities and increase the accountability of the government. In low income countries such as Malawi, with significant health challenges, stakeholder inclusion is particularly important to improve performance and service delivery. The 2017 National Health Plan II (NHP II) and accompanying Health Sector Strategic Plan II (HSSP II) aimed to improve the functioning of the healthcare system. The Ministry of Health for Malawi intended to involve all key health sector stakeholders in their development. This study explores the extent of stakeholder engagement in the health policy process through local level stakeholders' perceptions of their involvement in the NHP II and HSSP II. METHODS A qualitative study design was used. Interviews were conducted with 19 representatives of organisations operating at the local level, such as CSOs and local government. Open questions were asked about experiences and perceptions of the development of the NHP II and HSSP II. Inductive content analysis was performed. RESULTS Stakeholders perceived barriers to inclusive and meaningful engagement in the health policy process. Five categories were identified: tokenistic involvement; stakeholder hierarchy; mutual distrust; preferred stakeholders; no culture of engagement. CONCLUSIONS Serious challenges to the meaningful and equitable engagement of local level stakeholder groups in the health policy process were identified. Issues of trust, accountability and hierarchy in donor-citizen-government relations must be addressed to support stakeholder engagement. Engagement must go beyond tokenism to embed a range of stakeholders in the process with feedback mechanisms to ensure impact from their contributions. Local level stakeholders can be empowered to advocate for and participate in consultation exercises alongside greater top-down efforts to engage stakeholders via diverse and inclusive methods. These issues are not unique to Malawi or to health policy-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Masefield
- Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Alan Msosa
- Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Florence Kasende Chinguwo
- Health Economics and Policy Unit, Department of Health Systems and Policy, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Jean Grugel
- Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- Department of Politics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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Asante KO, Asiama-Sampong E, Appiah R. A qualitative exploration of the role of NGOs in the recovery support for persons with substance use disorders in a low-income African setting. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2021; 16:62. [PMID: 34404431 PMCID: PMC8369729 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-021-00400-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, most government mental health facilities are under-resourced to cater for the mental health needs of the population, including the provision of treatment and recovery support services for persons with substance use disorders (SUDs). However, in other settings, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play significant roles by complementing governments' efforts in the provision of care for vulnerable groups. Presently, no study exists that examines the contributions of NGOs in the recovery support of individuals with SUDs in the Ghanaian context. This study sets out to explore the role of NGOs in the recovery of persons with SUDs in Ghana. METHOD Using a descriptive qualitative design, eight staff (directors and senior recovery practitioners) from eight NGOs in southern Ghana were purposively selected and interviewed face-to-face using semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the thematic analysis within an inductive approach. RESULTS The results showed that NGOs provide three main services: treatment of drug addiction (through psychotherapy and recovery capital), re-integration of recovered individuals into society, and advocacy and awareness creation in schools and communities. These efforts are thwarted by limited qualified professionals and inadequate government support. CONCLUSION Our results underscore the need for government agencies to collaborate with NGOs involved in the recovery management of persons with SUDs and other mental disorders to complement their efforts in strategizing, designing, and implementing context-appropriate substance misuse prevention and intervention programs and policies in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwaku Oppong Asante
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 84, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
| | | | - Richard Appiah
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Gholamzadeh Nikjoo R, Partovi Y, Joudyian N. Involvement of charities in Iran's health care system: a qualitative study on problems and executive/legal/supportive requirements. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:181. [PMID: 33632197 PMCID: PMC7908800 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06187-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to reflect on scientific experts’ and executive stakeholders’ opinions on how charitable organizations can participate in the health care system properly and cope with problems, challenges, strategies, and executive requirements at three major levels of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Methods A total number of 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with scientific experts and executive stakeholders, selected for this qualitative study, based on an interview guide. Using the purposeful sampling method, we selected scientific experts with 5 years of experience in the health care system and executive stakeholders who had 5 years of experience in charitable activities. We applied a framework method for data analysis, and the main themes were extracted through MAXQDA software. Results Our findings revealed that charitable organizations at the major levels of the health care system, i.e., prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, possessed the necessary capacities to provide services effectively. Nevertheless, charities encountered some problems, e.g., financial instability, non-recognition of donors’ legal status, non-involvement in policy-making, inadequate cooperation from other agencies, absence of transparent programs and goals, together with weaknesses in advertising and attracting donations. It was noted that the government should take more operational steps towards supporting such organizations, e.g., by granting special facilities and exemptions, engaging charities in policy-making and training processes, and empowering them in terms of the production of resources. Charitable organizations are also recommended to establish external communications with other bodies such as municipalities, secretaries of state, governorate offices, welfare organizations, relief committees, and medical sciences universities. Conclusions Charitable organizations have the potentials to provide health care services at prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation levels. Thus, it is of utmost importance to adopt strategies such as creating sustainable funding sources, training charity managers with a wide variety of scientific management techniques, and implementing their intellectual capacities in legislative and planning processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raana Gholamzadeh Nikjoo
- Department of Health Policy and Health Services Management, Tabriz Health Service Management Research Center, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yegane Partovi
- Department of Health Policy and Health Services Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Nasrin Joudyian
- Department of Health Policy and Health Services Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Masefield SC, Megaw A, Barlow M, White PCL, Altink H, Grugel J. Repurposing NGO data for better research outcomes: a scoping review of the use and secondary analysis of NGO data in health policy and systems research. Health Res Policy Syst 2020; 18:63. [PMID: 32513183 PMCID: PMC7278191 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-020-00577-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) collect and generate vast amounts of potentially rich data, most of which are not used for research purposes. Secondary analysis of NGO data (their use and analysis in a study for which they were not originally collected) presents an important but largely unrealised opportunity to provide new research insights in critical areas, including the evaluation of health policy and programmes. METHODS A scoping review of the published literature was performed to identify the extent to which secondary analysis of NGO data has been used in health policy and systems research (HPSR). A tiered analytical approach provided a comprehensive overview and descriptive analyses of the studies that (1) used data produced or collected by or about NGOs; (2) performed secondary analysis of the NGO data (beyond the use of an NGO report as a supporting reference); and (3) analysed NGO-collected clinical data. RESULTS Of the 156 studies that performed secondary analysis of NGO-produced or collected data, 64% (n = 100) used NGO-produced reports (mostly to a limited extent, as a contextual reference or to critique NGO activities) and 8% (n = 13) analysed NGO-collected clinical data. Of these studies, 55% (n = 86) investigated service delivery research topics and 48% (n = 51) were undertaken in developing countries and 17% (n = 27) in both developing and developed countries. NGOs were authors or co-authors of 26% of the studies. NGO-collected clinical data enabled HPSR within marginalised groups (e.g. migrants, people in conflict-affected areas), albeit with some limitations such as inconsistent and missing data. CONCLUSION We found evidence that NGO-collected and produced data are most commonly perceived as a source of supporting evidence for HPSR and not as primary source data. However, these data can facilitate research in under-researched marginalised groups and in contexts that are hard to reach by academics such as conflict-affected areas. NGO-academic collaboration could help address issues of NGO data quality to facilitate their more widespread use in research. The use of NGO data use could enable relevant and timely research in the areas of programme evaluation and health policy and advocacy to improve health and reduce health inequalities, especially in marginalised groups and developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Masefield
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, YO10 5DD United Kingdom
- Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, University of York, York, YO10 5DD United Kingdom
| | - Alice Megaw
- Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, University of York, York, YO10 5DD United Kingdom
| | - Matt Barlow
- Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, University of York, York, YO10 5DD United Kingdom
- Department of Politics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD United Kingdom
| | - Piran C. L. White
- Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, University of York, York, YO10 5DD United Kingdom
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, YO10 5NG United Kingdom
| | - Henrice Altink
- Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, University of York, York, YO10 5DD United Kingdom
- Department of History, University of York, York, YO10 5NH United Kingdom
| | - Jean Grugel
- Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, University of York, York, YO10 5DD United Kingdom
- Department of Politics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD United Kingdom
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Hanney SR, González-Block MA. 'Knowledge for better health' revisited - the increasing significance of health research systems: a review by departing Editors-in-Chief. Health Res Policy Syst 2017; 15:81. [PMID: 28965493 PMCID: PMC5623979 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-017-0248-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
How can nations organise research investments to obtain the best bundle of knowledge and the maximum level of improved health, spread as equitably as possible? This question was the central focus of a major initiative from WHO led by Prof Tikki Pang, which resulted in a range of developments, including the publication of a conceptual framework for national health research systems - Knowledge for better health - in 2003, and in the founding of the journal Health Research Policy and Systems (HARPS). As Editors-in-Chief of the journal since 2006, we mark our retirement by tracking both the progress of the journal and the development of national health research systems. HARPS has maintained its focus on a range of central themes that are key components of a national health research system in any country. These include building capacity to conduct and use health research, identifying appropriate priorities, securing funds and allocating them accountably, producing scientifically valid research outputs, promoting the use of research in polices and practice in order to improve health, and monitoring and evaluating the health research system. Some of the themes covered in HARPS are now receiving increased attention and, for example, with the assessment of research impact and development of knowledge translation platforms, the journal has covered their progress throughout that expansion of interest. In addition, there is increasing recognition of new imperatives, including the importance of promoting gender equality in health research if benefits are to be maximised. In this Editorial, we outline some of the diverse and developing perspectives considered within each theme, as well as considering how they are held together by the growing desire to build effective health research systems in all countries.From 2003 until mid-June 2017, HARPS published 590 articles on the above and related themes, with authors being located in 76 countries. We present quantitative data tracing the journal's growth and the increasing external recognition of its role. We thank the many colleagues who have kindly contributed to the journal's success, and finish on an exciting note by welcoming the new Editors-in-Chief who will take HARPS forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R. Hanney
- Health Economics Research Group, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH United Kingdom
| | - Miguel A. González-Block
- Universidad Anáhuac, Av. Universidad Anáhuac 46, Lomas Anáhuac, 52786 Huixquilucan Mexico City, Mexico
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