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Kapoor N, Haregu T, Singh K, Oommen AM, Audsley J, Gupta P, Jasper S, Mini GK, Thirunavukkarasu S, Oldenburg B. Strengthening research capacity of early-mid career researchers: Implementation and evaluation of the Excellence in Non-COmmunicable disease REsearch (ENCORE) program. J Investig Med 2024; 72:475-486. [PMID: 38378444 DOI: 10.1177/10815589241236156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
High-quality training and networking are pivotal for enhancing the research capacity of early- to mid-career researchers in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. Beyond building research skills, these professionals gain valuable insights from interdisciplinary mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to diverse cultures and health systems. Despite the significance of such initiatives, their implementation remains underexplored. Here, we describe the implementation and evaluation of the Excellence in Non-COommunicable disease REsearch (ENCORE) program, a collaborative initiative between Australia and India that was launched in 2016 and spanned a duration of 3 years. Led by a consortium that included the University of Melbourne and leading Indian research and medical institutions, ENCORE involved 15 faculty members and 20 early-mid career researchers. The program comprised various elements, including face-to-face forums, masterclasses, webinars, a health-technology conference, and roundtable events. ENCORE successfully trained the early-career researchers, resulting in over 30 peer-reviewed articles, 36 conference presentations, and the submission of seven grant applications, three of which received funding. Beyond individual achievements, ENCORE fostered robust research collaboration between Australian and Indian institutions, showcasing its broader impact on strengthening research capacities across borders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Kapoor
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Non-Communicable Disease Unit, The Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tilahun Haregu
- Non-Communicable Disease Unit, The Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kavita Singh
- Public Health Foundation of India, Gurugram, Haryana, India
- Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
| | - Anu Mary Oommen
- Community Health Department, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jennifer Audsley
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Priti Gupta
- Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Smitha Jasper
- Department of Ophthalmology, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - G K Mini
- Global Institute of Public Health, Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Sathish Thirunavukkarasu
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Global Diabetes Research Center (EGDRC), Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brian Oldenburg
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Urquhart O, Matanhire-Zihanzu CN, Kulkarni R, Parrado EA, Aljarahi H, Bhosale AS, Braimoh O, Button J, Chifamba T, Emmanuel AT, Gatarayiha A, Kohler IV, Martins-Pfeifer CC, Ojukwu BT, Robbins M, Sofola O, Taiwo OO, Uti O, Makino Y, Glick M, Carrasco-Labra A. Oral Health Policy and Research Capacity: Perspectives From Dental Schools in Africa. Int Dent J 2024:S0020-6539(24)00045-5. [PMID: 38677971 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS The prioritisation of oral health in all health policies in the WHO African region is gaining momentum. Dental schools in this region are key stakeholders in informing the development and subsequent downstream implementation and monitoring of these policies. The objectives of our study are to determine how dental schools contribute to oral health policies (OHPs) in this region, to identify the barriers to and facilitators for engaging with other local stakeholders, and to understand their capacity to respond to population and public health needs. METHODS We developed a needs assessment survey, including quantitative and qualitative questions. The survey was developed electronically in Qualtrics and distributed by email in February 2023 to the deans or other designees at dental schools in the WHO African region. Data were analysed in SAS version 9.4 and ATLAS.ti. RESULTS The capacity for dental schools to respond to population and public health needs varied. Most schools have postgraduate programs to train the next generation of researchers. However, these programs have limitations that may hinder the students from achieving the necessary skills and training. A majority (75%) of respondents were aware of the existence of national OHPs and encountered a myriad of challenges when engaging with them, including a lack of coordination with other stakeholders, resources, and oral health professionals, and the low priority given to oral health. Their strengths as technical experts and researchers was a common facilitator for engaging with OHPs. CONCLUSION Dental schools in the region face common challenges and facilitators in engaging in the OHP process. There were several school-specific research and training capacities that enabled them to respond to population and public health needs. Overall, shared challenges and facilitators can inform stakeholder dialogues at a national and subnational level and help develop tailored solutions for enhancing the oral health policy pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Urquhart
- Center for Integrative Global Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cleopatra N Matanhire-Zihanzu
- Department of Oral Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Roopali Kulkarni
- Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Hind Aljarahi
- Center for Integrative Global Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ankita Shashikant Bhosale
- Center for Integrative Global Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Omoigberai Braimoh
- Department of Community Dentistry and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Porty Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - John Button
- Center for Integrative Global Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Timothy Chifamba
- Department of Oral Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Adeyemi Tope Emmanuel
- Department of Child Dental Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Bayero University, Kano/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Tarauni, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Agnes Gatarayiha
- Department of preventive and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Iliana V Kohler
- Population Studies Center (PSC) and Department of Sociology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Basil T Ojukwu
- Department of Public Health, Intercountry Centre for Oral Health (ICOH) for Africa, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Miriam Robbins
- Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Oyinkansola Sofola
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-araba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olaniyi O Taiwo
- Intercountry Center for Oral Health (ICOH) for Africa, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Omolara Uti
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi Araba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Yuka Makino
- NCDs management team, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Michael Glick
- Center for Integrative Global Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Alonso Carrasco-Labra
- Center for Integrative Global Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Adebisi YA, Jimoh ND, Bassey AE, Alaka HO, Marah M, Ngoma C, Ogunkola IO, Bouaddi O, Courage I, Abdelatif El-Abasiri RA, Boutahar R, Ogbodum MU, Ekpenyong AM, Uwizeyimana T, Oghenerukevwe OE, Olawade DB. Harnessing the potential of African youth for transforming health research in Africa. Global Health 2024; 20:35. [PMID: 38664751 PMCID: PMC11046890 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-024-01039-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Africa faces a significant burden of infectious diseases, including Malaria and HIV/AIDS, along with an increasing prevalence of non-infectious diseases such as diabetes and cancer. This dual health challenge is amplified by socioeconomic difficulties, restricted access to healthcare, and lifestyle changes, thus present unique scientific needs. Effectively addressing these issues requires a skilled scientific workforce adept in comprehensive healthcare strategies. This analysis explores the critical landscape of health research in Africa, emphasizing the unique opportunity presented by the continent's youthful population, projected to reach almost 1 billion by 2050. The youth's innovative potential and fresh perspectives offer a chance to overcome development barriers in health research. Nevertheless, challenges such as under-resourced education, limited research training, inadequate mentorship, and funding difficulties persist. This paper urgently calls upon African leaders, international partners, and stakeholders to prioritize health research, mobilize funding, forge strategic partnerships, and empower the youth as essential steps to capitalize on the continent's dynamic youth for breakthrough health outcomes. Such investments are vital not just for health but for the overall economic, social, and strategic growth of the continent. Through shared responsibility and a united effort, the potential of African youth can be harnessed, leading to transformative research, improved health outcomes, and a prosperous future. This perspective represents the collective voice of passionate young researchers and advocates across Africa, calling for a new era of health research on the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi
- Research Department, Global Health Focus Africa, Kigali, Rwanda.
- College of Social Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | - Mohamed Marah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | | | - Oumnia Bouaddi
- International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Health, and Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Theogene Uwizeyimana
- Bill and Joyce Cummings Institute of Global Health, University of Global Health Equity, Butaro, Rwanda
| | - Oviri Edith Oghenerukevwe
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - David Bamidele Olawade
- Department of Allied and Public Health, School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London, UK
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Ruhweza Katahoire A, Allison J, Vicente-Crespo M, Fonn S. Transformed through the CARTA experience: changes reported by CARTA fellows about their PhD journey. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2272392. [PMID: 37942510 PMCID: PMC10653687 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2272392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Transformative learning occurs when a person, group, or larger social unit encounters ideas that are at odds with their prevailing perspective. This discrepant perspective can lead to an examination of previously held beliefs, values, and assumptions. The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) has since 2011 been training and supporting faculty from different African universities, to become more reflective and productive researchers, research leaders, educators, and change agents who will drive institutional changes in their institutions. As part of a mid-term evaluation of CARTA, an open-ended question was posed to the CARTA fellows asking them to describe any changes they had experienced in their professional lives as a result of the CARTA Programme. The 135 responses were inductively coded and analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. These themes were subsequently mapped onto Hoggan's typology of transformative learning outcomes. CARTA fellows reported shifts in their sense of self; worldviews; beliefs about the definition of knowledge, how it is constructed and evaluated; and changes in behaviour/practices and capacities. This paper argues that the changes described by the CARTA fellows reflect transformative learning that is embedded in CARTA's Theory of Change. The reported transformation was enabled by a curriculum intentionally designed to facilitate critical reflection, further exploration, and questioning, both formally and informally during the fellows' PhD journey with the support of CARTA facilitators. Documenting and disseminating these lessons provide a guide for future practice, and educators wishing to revitalise their PhD training may find it useful to review the CARTA PhD curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jill Allison
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Marta Vicente-Crespo
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Aryal A, Garcia FB, Scheitler AJ, Faraon EJA, Moncatar TJRT, Saniel OP, Lorenzo FME, Rosadia RAF, Shimkhada R, Macinko J, Ponce NA. Evolving academic and research partnerships in global health: a capacity-building partnership to assess primary healthcare in the Philippines. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2216069. [PMID: 37249029 PMCID: PMC10231040 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2216069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Building fair, equitable, and beneficial partnerships between institutions collaborating in research in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and high-income countries (HIC) has become an integral part of research capacity building in global health in recent years. In this paper, we offer an example of an academic collaboration between the University of California Los Angeles, Center for Health Policy and Research (UCLA CHPR) and the University of Philippines, Manila, College of Public Health (UPM CPH) that sought to build an equitable partnership between research institutions. The partnership was built on a project to build capacity for research and produce data for policy action for the prevention and care of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through primary healthcare in the Philippines. The specific objectives of the project were to: (1) locally adapt the Primary Care Assessment Tool for the Philippines and use the adapted tool to measure facility-level primary care delivery, (2) conduct focus group discussions (FGDs) to gather qualitative observations regarding primary care readiness and capacity, and (3) conduct a comprehensive population-based health survey among adults on NCDs and prior healthcare experience. We describe here the progression of the partnership between these institutions to carry out the project and the elements that helped build a stronger connection between the institutions, such as mutual goal setting, cultural bridging, collaborative teams, and capacity building. This example, which can be used as a model depicting new directionality and opportunities for LMIC-HIC academic partnerships, was written based on the review of shared project documents, including study protocols, and written and oral communications with the project team members, including the primary investigators. The innovation of this partnership includes: LMIC-initiated project need identification, LMIC-based funding allocation, a capacity-building role of the HIC institution, and the expansion of scope through jointly offered courses on global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Aryal
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fernando B. Garcia
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - A. J. Scheitler
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emerito Jose A. Faraon
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - T. J. Robinson T. Moncatar
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ofelia P. Saniel
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Fely Marilyn E. Lorenzo
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Roberto Antonio F. Rosadia
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Riti Shimkhada
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James Macinko
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ninez A. Ponce
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Karimi F, Vicente-Crespo M, Ndwiga M, Njenga N, Karoki R, Fonn S. Resilience of research capacity strengthening initiatives in Africa during crises: the case of CARTA during COVID. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2240153. [PMID: 37560811 PMCID: PMC10416737 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2240153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Several research capacity strengthening (RCS) initiatives have been established in Africa over the past decade. One such initiative is the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) that has gained traction over the years and has been proven as an effective multidisciplinary approach to strengthen research capacity to address public and population health in Africa. Objectives: In this article, we document the experiences and management-related interventions that cushioned the CARTA programme and enabled it to remain resilient during the COVID pandemic. We further make recommendations on the enablers of resilience and optimal performance of such RCS initiatives during crises and beyond. Methods: We used routine information gathered by the CARTA secretariat from consortium correspondence, meeting minutes, reports and other related documents produced in the year 2020 in order to consolidate the experiences and interventions taken by the programme at programmatic, institutional and fellowship levels. Results: We identified a series of management-related cyclic phases that CARTA went through during the pandemic period, which included immobilisation, reflection, brainstorming, decision-making, intervening and recovery. We further identified strategic management-related interventions that contributed to the resilience of the programme during the pandemic including assessment and monitoring, communication management, policy and resource management, making investments and execution. Moreover, we observed that the strength of the leadership and management of CARTA, coupled with the consortium´s culture of collaboration, mutual trust, respect, openness, transparency, equitability, ownership, commitment and accountability, all contributed to its success during the pandemic period. Conclusion: We conclude that RCS initiatives undergo a series of phases during crises and that they need to promptly adopt and adapt appropriate management-related strategic interventions in order to remain resilient during such periods. This can be significantly realised if RCS initiatives build a culture of trust, commitment and joint ownership, and if they invest in strong management capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florah Karimi
- Division of Research and Related Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marta Vicente-Crespo
- Division of Research and Related Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mercy Ndwiga
- Division of Research and Related Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Naomi Njenga
- Division of Research and Related Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rita Karoki
- Division of Research and Related Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Pulford J, El Hajj T, Tancred T, Ding Y, Crossman S, Silvester L, Savio M, Bevan N, Tagoe N, Bates I. How international research consortia can strengthen organisations' research systems and promote a conducive environment and culture. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e011419. [PMID: 37028811 PMCID: PMC10083781 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-011419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Research systems and cultures have been criticised for their detrimental effect on members' mental health and well-being. Many international research programmes operate through research consortia that have the resources to make a substantial contribution to improving the research environment in their member organisations. This paper collates real-life examples from several large international consortia-based research programmes about how they strengthened organisations' research capacity. The consortia primarily involved academic partners from the UK and/or sub-Saharan Africa and covered research topics including health, natural sciences, conservation agriculture and vector control. They were partly or wholly funded by UK agencies including the Wellcome, Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, UK Research and Innovation Fund, and the Medical Research Council and they operated for 2-10 years between 2012 and 2022.Consortia's size and ability to access and share resources among their member organisations according to need meant they were uniquely placed to target actions to address weaknesses in member organisations' research capacity, to widen networks and collaborations, and to build in sustainability of capacity gains. Consortia's actions covered: (a) individuals' knowledge and skills; (b) capacity strengthening ethos; (c) organisations' visibility and prestige; and (d) inclusive and responsive management practices. Evidence about these actions formed the basis of recommendations for funders and leaders of consortium-based programmes about how they could make more effective use of consortia's resources to enhance organisations' research systems, environments and cultures.Key lessons were that training should cover management and research leadership and should be offered beyond consortium members, including to research support staff such as technicians and managers. Consortia often tackle complex problems requiring multidisciplinary inputs, but overcoming disciplinary boundaries-and making everyone feel valued and respected-takes time and skill on the part of consortium leaders. Consortia need clear guidance from funders about their commitment to strengthening research capacity. Without this, consortia leaders may continue to prioritise research outputs over creating and embedding sustainable improvements in their organisations' research systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tara Tancred
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Yan Ding
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Martina Savio
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Natasha Bevan
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nadia Tagoe
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Imelda Bates
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Barriers to conducting independent quantitative research in low-income countries: A cross-sectional study of public health graduate students in Liberia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280917. [PMID: 36730248 PMCID: PMC9894428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During recent disease outbreaks, quantitative research has been used to investigate intervention scenarios while accounting for local epidemiological, social, and clinical context. Despite the value of such work, few documented research efforts have been observed to originate from low-income countries. This study aimed to assess barriers that may be limiting the awareness and conduct of quantitative research among Liberian public health graduate students. METHODS A semi-structured questionnaire was administered September-November 2021 to Master's in Public Health (MPH) students in Liberia. Potential barriers around technology access, understanding of quantitative science, and availability of mentorship were interrogated. Associations between barriers and self-reported likelihood of conducting quantitative research within six months of the investigation period were evaluated using ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS Among 120 participating MPH students, 86% reported owning a personal computer, but 18.4% and 39.4% had machines with malfunctioning hardware and/or with battery power lasting ≤2 hours, respectively. On average, students reported having poor internet network 3.4 days weekly. 47% reported never using any computer software for analysis, and 46% reported no specific knowledge on statistical analysis. Students indicated spending a median 30 minutes per week reading scientific articles. Moreover, 50% had no access to quantitative research mentors. Despite barriers, 59% indicated they were very likely to undertake quantitative research in the next 6 months; only 7% indicated they were not at all likely. Computer ownership was found to be statistically significantly associated with higher likelihood of conducting quantitative research in the multivariable analysis (aOR: 4.90,95% CI: 1.54-16.3). CONCLUSION The high likelihood of conducting quantitative research among MPH students contrasts with limitations around computing capacity, awareness of research tools/methods, and access to mentorship. To promote rigorous analytical research in Liberia, there is a need for systematic measures to enhance capacity for diverse quantitative methods through efforts sensitive to the local research environment.
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Nagavci B, Nyirenda JLZ, Balugaba BE, Osuret J, Meerpohl JJ, Grummich K, Kobusingye O, Toews I. Evidence-based guidelines for hypertension and diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e067156. [PMID: 36549745 PMCID: PMC9791379 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Collaboration for Evidence-Based Healthcare and Public Health in sub-Saharan Africa (CEBHA+), a research network, aims to build capacities for evidence-based healthcare. Hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are two priority areas of the network, both are major causes of burden of disease in this region. This review aimed to: (1) identify existing evidence-based guidelines for HTN and DM, (2) map their recommendations and (3) assess their quality. SETTING Sub-Saharan Africa. DESIGN Scoping review. METHODS Systematic searches for evidence-based guidelines, developed with systematic review of evidence and certainty of evidence assessment, were undertaken in electronic databases and grey literature, and ministries of health of all countries in this region were contacted. Included guidelines were assessed with the Appraisal of Guidelines for research and evaluation II (AGREE-II) tool. Searches were conducted between 7 December 2021 and 14 January 2022. Results are presented descriptively. RESULTS 66 potentially relevant guidelines were identified, developed in 23, out of 49 sub-Saharan African countries. Of these, only two guidelines (on DM) reported the use of systematic review of evidence and certainty of evidence assessment. Their quality appraisal showed that both have relatively similar scores on domains of AGREE-II, with higher scores on Scope and Purpose and Clarity and Presentation domains, and lower on Stakeholder Involvement, Applicability, Rigour of Development and Editorial independence domains. The overall scores of both guidelines were 50% and 58%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Less than half of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa developed and published their own guidelines for HTN or DM. The quality appraisal showed that the two included guidelines scored relatively low in several crucial domains of AGREE-II. Countries in this region could consider adopting or adapting already published high-quality recommendations, in order to facilitate a more efficient and faster development of much needed trustworthy evidence-based guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blin Nagavci
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - John L Z Nyirenda
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Bonny E Balugaba
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jimmy Osuret
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joerg J Meerpohl
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Grummich
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Olive Kobusingye
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ingrid Toews
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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The development of research competence among specialist registrars in South Africa: Challenges and opportunities for research education and capacity development. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION 2022. [DOI: 10.7196/ajhpe.2022.v14i2.1418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
To equip physicians with the competencies that support evidence-based healthcare, curriculum frameworks for medical education often promote scholarly activity as an essential component of training. Many medical schools worldwide expect medical trainees to participate in some form of research during their undergraduate and postgraduate training. This requirement is especially important in Africa, where there is also much need to develop clinical research capacity and an evidence base that is contextualised to the specific healthcare challenges on the continent. In South Africa, the requirement for specialist trainees to complete a research project (as part of a Master of Medicine, MMed) was made mandatory from 2011 and has introduced several difficulties for many training centres. There is concern that institutions are failing to develop medical specialists who are competent in their role as scholars, particularly in their ability to conduct research. In this article, I review the South African literature that discusses the research component of medical specialist registration. In addition to summarising the challenges associated with MMed projects and recent efforts to address them, I interrogate whether the current status of MMed research education is likely to be contributing to the successful development of research competence among this unique group of postgraduates. By consolidating the current debate, I hope to encourage a point of departure between criticising the challenges and adopting proactive strategies to address them. There is a great need for medical educators to design innovative and learner-centred research education strategies that can better develop research competence among African healthcare professionals.
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Tagoe N, Molyneux S, Pulford J, Kinyanjui S. Consortium management structures, processes, and approaches: The DELTAS Africa example. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:139. [PMID: 37664416 PMCID: PMC10474346 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17721.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Global efforts to strengthen health research capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have intensified in the past few decades, and these efforts are often implemented by consortia. Our review of the literature indicated that reports on health research capacity strengthening (HRCS) consortia have primarily focused on programme outputs and outcomes while management processes and their contributions to consortia goals have received little attention. This qualitative study sought to identify the consortium management processes employed by 10 DELTAS Africa consortia, factors influencing these processes, and leaders' consortium management experiences. Methods: We conducted 24 key informant interviews with the directors and programme managers of all the 10 DELTAS Africa consortia, and funding actors who worked closely with the consortia. The interviews were supplemented by reviews of DELTAS and consortium-specific documents. Data were analysed using the content analysis approach. Results: The consortia studied employed similar management processes but adopted different strategies in executing these processes. Study results indicate that decision-making in consortia is not always a straightforward process as leaders were often faced with dilemmas when determining management strategies to adopt, and often tried to balance multiple factors which were not always aligned. This was demonstrated as consortia selected partners, determined goals and activities, assigned roles and responsibilities, allocated resources, established governance and partner management systems, and coordinated and monitored consortia activities. Factors that influenced the choice of processes and approaches included previous experiences, funders expectations, and the pressure to deliver research outputs. Consortia's unique approaches to management were due to varying contexts and influences and indicate that management decisions are nuanced and cannot easily be formularized. Conclusion: The study has highlighted the importance of flexibility in consortium management and the need to generate research capacity strengthening (RCS)-specific guidance that can assist consortia in resolving dilemmas and making appropriate management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Tagoe
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sassy Molyneux
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Justin Pulford
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sam Kinyanjui
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- School of Business Studies, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Bioscence Research Centre, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
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Ndejjo R, Ssemugabo C, Osuret J, Zziwa EB, Fonn S, Alfvén T, Mukanga D, Khayesi M, Wanyenze RK. Positioning Africa's public health doctoral students to lead societal transformation and development. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007996. [PMID: 35168932 PMCID: PMC8852658 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The public health context is becoming increasingly more complex requiring highly trained professionals equipped with knowledge, competencies and tools to address or transform current and future challenges. Doctoral degree training offers an opportunity to build the capacity to detect and respond to such dynamic health challenges. In this paper, we discuss how Africa's public health doctoral students can be better positioned for the different career pathways to provide leadership on complex health and development challenges. Public health PhD graduates can take up careers in academia, civil service, private sector and civil society, among others. To thrive in these pathways, PhD training should equip them with knowledge, skills and competencies in leadership, creativity and social competence among others. To produce career-ready PhD graduates, there is need to rethink training curricula to build critical skills for diverse career pathways, introduce students to entrepreneurship, and enhance linkages between universities and industry. Experiential learning, exposure to networks and partnerships, postdoctoral programmes and mentorship and exchange programmes can further equip PhD students with key knowledge, skills and competencies. For students to position themselves for the different careers, they ought to plan their careers early, albeit with flexibility. Students should build their soft skills and embrace technology among other transferable competencies. By identifying potential career pathways and being positioned for these early, Africa can produce transformative PhD students on a path for success not just for themselves but for society at large, including in new environments such as that created by COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawlance Ndejjo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda .,Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health, a Collaboration Between Makerere University and Karolinska Institutet, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Ssemugabo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jimmy Osuret
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Esther Bayiga Zziwa
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tobias Alfvén
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health, a Collaboration Between Makerere University and Karolinksa Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Mukanga
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Meleckidzedeck Khayesi
- Injuries and Violence Prevention Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health, a Collaboration Between Makerere University and Karolinska Institutet, Kampala, Uganda
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13
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Owoade IA, Wuraola F, Olasehinde O, Akinyemi PA, Randolph K, Dare AJ, Kingham TP, Alatise OI. Unveiling research training gaps in oncology: Evaluating a research capacity-building effort among Nigerian physicians. Niger J Clin Pract 2022; 25:1038-1045. [PMID: 35859462 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_1461_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Cancers are a disease of growing public health importance in Africa, but cancer research capacity in the region is underdeveloped. The quest to foster and promote locally conceptualized and conducted oncology research in Africa have informed the African Research Group for Oncology's (ARGO) research capacity-building efforts in Nigeria. Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of oncology research capacity-building initiatives among Nigerian senior trainees and junior faculty physicians. Subjects and Methods Panel study design was employed to study Nigerian senior trainees and junior faculty physicians who participated in two research capacity-building symposia. Data were collected pre-and immediate post-symposia, and 3-month post-first symposium. Changes in knowledge were assessed using the Chi-square test and confidence levels using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results : In the first symposium, the participants' pass rate in the knowledge-based questions improved from 9.8% to 46.7% to 81.5% at the baseline, immediate post-symposium, and 3-month post-symposium, respectively (P < 0.001). Likewise, the participants' confidence level in carrying out certain research-related activities increased after the second symposium (P < 0.001). Conclusion The study concludes that building capacity for oncology research in low- and middle-income countries is possible with focused symposia and educational programs.
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Wao H, Wang Y, Wao MA, Were JA. Factors associated with North-South research collaboration focusing on HIV/AIDS: lessons from ClinicalTrials.gov. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:54. [PMID: 34433475 PMCID: PMC8385695 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00376-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A North-South (N-S) research collaboration is one way through which research capacity of developing countries can be strengthened. Whereas N-S collaboration in HIV/AIDS area may result in research capacity strengthening of Southern partners, it is not clear what factors are associated with this type of collaboration. The study aims to characterize N-S research collaboration focusing on HIV/AIDS and to determine factors associated with such N-S research collaborations. METHODS Clinical trial data on HIV/AIDS-related studies conducted between 2000 and 2019 were obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov. Using these data, we characterized N-S collaborative studies focusing on HIV/AIDS and summarized them using frequencies and percentages. To determine factors associated with these studies, we used logistic regression and reported results as adjusted odds ratios with Wald 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Of the 4,832 HIV/AIDS-related studies retrieved from the registry, less than one-quarter (n = 1133, 23%) involved a Southern institution, with 77% of these studies classified as N-S collaborations. Majority of these studies have single PI (50%), are conducted at single location (39%); have large sample sizes (41%); are federally-funded (32%) or receive funding from other sources (32%); are intervention studies (64%); and involve a mixture of male and female participants (58%) and adult participants (54%). Single PIs (as opposed to multiple PIs) were more likely to be from the North than South institution (odds ratio = 5.59, 95%CI: 4.16 - 11.57). Trend analyses showed that N-S research collaborations produced HIV/AIDS-related studies at a faster rate than S-S research collaborations. N-S collaborations involving female or children produced HIV/AIDS-related studies between 2000 and 2019 at a significantly faster rate than S-S collaborations involving females and children during the same period. Holding other factors constant, N-S collaborative research focusing on HIV/AIDS are associated with: multiple PIs as opposed to single PI, multiple institutions as opposed to a single institution, multiple locations as opposed to a single location, large number of participants as opposed to small sample sizes, and public funding as opposed to industry funding. Almost half of these studies had a Northern PI only, about one-third had a Southern PI only, and much fewer had PIs from both North and South. However, these studies were less likely to receive funding from other sources than industry funding. CONCLUSIONS HIV/AIDS-related research is increasingly becoming a more collaborative global research involving more N-S collaborations than S-S collaborations. Factors associated with N-S collaborative studies focusing on HIV/AIDS include multiple PIs, institutions, and locations; large sample sizes; publicly funded; and involve vulnerable populations such as women and children. Whereas almost half of these studies have a Northern PI only, about one-third have a Southern PI only, and much fewer have PIs from both North and South. Our results inform future design and implementation of N-S research collaborations in this area. Suggestions for improvement of ClinicalTrials.gov registry are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesborn Wao
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, Manga Close, Off Kirawa Road, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Yan Wang
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, Manga Close, Off Kirawa Road, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Urban Health Collaborative, Drexel University, 3600 Market Street, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 La Conte Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Melvin A. Wao
- United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa). Off USIU Road, Off Thika Road (Exit 7), P. O. Box 14634-00800, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Juliana A. Were
- The Management University of Africa (MUA), Popo Rd, Off Mombasa Road, Belleview, South C., P. O. Box 29677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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15
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Fonn S, Hu J, Igumbor JO, Gatoto D, Muula A, Ezeh A. Quantifying the cost of in-kind contributions to a multidonor-funded health research capacity-building programme: the case of the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-002286. [PMID: 32513861 PMCID: PMC7282305 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction There are significant investments in health research capacity development in the ‘global-south’. The monetary value of contributions from institutions running these programmes is not known. Methods Using the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) as a case study we estimate in-kind contributions made by consortium members. We measured unpaid hours of labour contributed by consortium members and converted this to full-time equivalents. We assigned a monetary value to the time contributed by staff based on salaries by seniority and region. We estimated the monetary value of the contribution made by the African institutions that hosted CARTA events by comparing the difference in cost between university-hosted events with those held in commercial venues. We calculated the foregone overhead costs associated with hosting the CARTA secretariat. We excluded many costs where data were difficult to verify. Results Annually, CARTA member institutions committed a minimum of 4.3 full-time staff equivalents that are not funded by the grants. CARTA’s annual in-kind contribution represents at least 20% of total annual donor expenditure. African institutions accounted for 82.9% of the in-kind labour contribution and 91.6% of total in-kind contribution. Conclusion The consortium’s institutions and academic and non-academic staff make significant contributions to ensure the effective implementation of donor-funded programmes. This is not unique to CARTA. These contributions are usually not counted, often not recognised at institutional level nor remunerated through grants. Knowing these costs would allow for sustainability appraisals and cost-benefit assessments. This paper offers a method of how to measure these contributions and begins a discussion around this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Fonn
- Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jia Hu
- Independent Researcher, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Duncan Gatoto
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Adamson Muula
- Community Health, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alex Ezeh
- Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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16
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Balogun FM, Malele-Kolisa Y, Nieuwoudt SJ, Jepngetich H, Kiplagat J, Morakinyo OM, Dawa J, Chandiwana N, Chikandiwa A, Akinyemi O, Olusanya BA, Afolabi EK, Dube N, Obembe T, Karumi E, Ndikumana C, Bukenya JN, Chikalipo M, Ayamolowo SJ, Shema E, Kapanda L, Maniragaba F, Khuluza F, Zakumumpa H, Mbada K, Sang H, Kaindoa E. Experiences of doctoral students enrolled in a research fellowship program to support doctoral training in Africa (2014 to 2018): The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa odyssey. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252863. [PMID: 34111155 PMCID: PMC8191976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) aims to transform higher education in Africa. One of its main thrusts is supporting promising university faculty (fellows) to obtain high quality doctoral training. CARTA offers fellows robust support which includes funding of their attendance at Joint Advanced Seminars (JASes) throughout the doctoral training period. An evaluation is critical in improving program outcomes. In this study; we, CARTA fellows who attended the fourth JAS in 2018, appraised the CARTA program from our perspective, specifically focusing on the organization of the program and its influence on the fellows' individual and institutional development. METHODS Exploratory Qualitative Study Design was used and data was obtained from three focus group discussions among the fellows in March 2018. The data were analyzed using thematic approach within the framework of good practice elements in doctoral training-Formal Research Training, Activities Driven by Doctoral Candidates, Career Development as well as Concepts and Structures. RESULTS In all, 21 fellows from six African countries participated and all had been in the CARTA program for at least three years. The fellowship has increased fellows research skills and expanded our research capacities. This tremendously improved the quality of our doctoral research and it was also evident in our research outputs, including the number of peer-reviewed publications. The CARTA experience inculcated a multidisciplinary approach to our research and enabled significant improvement in our organizational, teaching, and leadership skills. All these were achieved through the well-organized structures of CARTA and these have transformed us to change agents who are already taking on research and administrative responsibilities in our various home institutions. Unfortunately, during the long break between the second and the third JAS, there was a gap in communication between CARTA and her fellows, which resulted in some transient loss of focus by a few fellows. CONCLUSION The CARTA model which builds the research capacity of doctoral fellows through robust support, including intermittent strategic Joint Advanced Seminars has had effective and transformative impacts on our doctoral odyssey. However, there is a need to maintain the momentum through continuous communication between CARTA and the fellows all through this journey.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yolanda Malele-Kolisa
- School of Oral Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | - Jeanette Dawa
- College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Admire Chikandiwa
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Oluwaseun Akinyemi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Nkosiyazi Dube
- School of Human and Community Development, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Taiwo Obembe
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Esther Karumi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Celestin Ndikumana
- Department of Governance and Public Administration, School of Governance, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Maria Chikalipo
- Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Emmanuel Shema
- College of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Lester Kapanda
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Fred Maniragaba
- School of Statistics and Planning, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felix Khuluza
- Pharmacy Department, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Henry Zakumumpa
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kikelomo Mbada
- Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Hillary Sang
- School of Arts and Social Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Emmanuel Kaindoa
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
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Muula AS. Experimenting with mentoring "junior" authors to encourage scientific publications in Malawi. Malawi Med J 2021; 33:1-2. [PMID: 35509989 PMCID: PMC9023028 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v33is.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adamson S Muula
- Editor in Chief, Malawi Medical Journal (www.mmj.mw), Professor and Head, Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (formerly College of Medicine of the University of Malawi)
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Uwizeye D, Karimi F, Otukpa E, Ngware MW, Wao H, Igumbor JO, Fonn S. Increasing collaborative research output between early-career health researchers in Africa: lessons from the CARTA fellowship program. Glob Health Action 2021; 13:1768795. [PMID: 32508287 PMCID: PMC7448916 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1768795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2008 nine African Universities and four African research institutions, in partnership with non-African institutions started the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) to strengthen doctoral training and research capacity on health in Africa. This study describes particular aspects of the CARTA program that promotes collaboration between the PhD fellows in the program, and determines the patterns of collaborative publications that resulted from the intervention. We reviewed program monitoring and evaluation documents and conducted a bibliometric analysis of 806 peer-reviewed publications by CARTA fellows published between 2011 and 2018. Results indicate that recruiting multidisciplinary fellows from various institutions, encouraging registration of doctoral-level fellows outside home institutions, and organizing joint research seminars stimulated collaborative research on health-related topics. Fellows collaborated among themselves and with non-CARTA researchers. Fellows co-authored 75 papers (10%) between themselves, of which 53 (71%) and 42 (56%) included fellows of different cohorts and different disciplines respectively, and 19 (25%) involved fellows of different institutions. CARTA graduates continued to publish with each other after graduating - 11% of the collaborative publications occurred post-graduation - indicating that the collaborative approach was maintained after exiting from the program. However, not all fellows contributed to publishing collaborative papers. The study recommends concerted effort towards enhancing collaborative publications among the CARTA fellows, both doctoral and post-doctoral, which can include holding research exchange forums and collaborative grant-writing workshops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieudonne Uwizeye
- School of Governance, University of Rwanda , Kigali, Rwanda.,African Population and Health Research Center , Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Florah Karimi
- African Population and Health Research Center , Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Emmanuel Otukpa
- African Population and Health Research Center , Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Moses W Ngware
- African Population and Health Research Center , Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hesborn Wao
- African Population and Health Research Center , Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand , Johannesburg, South Africa
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Vicente-Crespo M, Agunbiade O, Eyers J, Thorogood M, Fonn S. Institutionalizing research capacity strengthening in LMICs: A systematic review and meta-synthesis. AAS Open Res 2021; 3:43. [PMID: 33215062 PMCID: PMC7653640 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13116.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Evidence on effective strategies to ensure sustainability of research capacity strengthening interventions in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions is lacking. This systematic review identified publications describing research capacity building programs and noted their effect, their contexts, and the mechanisms, processes and social actors employed in them. Methods: We searched online databases for the period 2011-2018. Inclusion criteria were that the publications 1) described the intervention; 2) were implemented in LMICs; 3) were based in, or relevant to, university staff or post docs; 4) aimed to improve research capacity; 5) aimed to effect change at the institutional level. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full text in consecutive rounds, a third resolved disagreements. Two people extracted the data of each full text using a data extraction tool covering data relevant to our question. Results: In total 4052 citations were identified and 19 papers were included, which referred to 14 interventions. Only three interventions mentioned using a conceptual framework to develop their approach and none described using a theory of change to assess outcomes. The most frequent inputs described were some method of formal training, promotion of a research-conducive environment and establishment of research support systems. A range of outcomes were reported, most frequently an increased number of publications and proportion of staff with PhDs. When factors of success were discussed, this was attributed to a rigorous approach to implementation, adequate funding, and local buy-in. Those who mentioned sustainability linked it to availability of funds and local buy-in. The lack of a common lexicon and a framework against which to report outcomes made comparison between initiatives difficult. Conclusions: The reduced number of interventions that met the inclusion criteria suggests that programs should be well-described, evaluated systematically, and findings published so that the research capacity strengthening community can extract important lessons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Vicente-Crespo
- African Population and Health Research Center, African Population and Health Research Center Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ojo Agunbiade
- Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - John Eyers
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, London, UK
| | | | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Igumbor JO, Bosire EN, Karimi F, Katahoire A, Allison J, Muula AS, Peixoto A, Otwombe K, Gitau E, Bondjers G, Fonn S, Ajuwon A. Effective supervision of doctoral students in public and population health in Africa: CARTA supervisors' experiences, challenges and perceived opportunities. Glob Public Health 2020; 17:496-511. [PMID: 33351732 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1864752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The quality and success of postgraduate education largely rely on effective supervision. Since its inception in 2008, the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) has been at the forefront of providing training to both students and supervisors in the field of public and population health. However, there are few studies on supervisors' perceptions on effective doctoral supervision. We used a mostly descriptive study design to report CARTA-affiliated doctoral supervisors' reflections and perceptions on doctoral supervision, challenges and opportunities. A total of 77 out of 160 CARTA supervisors' workshop participants responded to the evaluation. The respondents were affiliated with 10 institutions across Africa. The respondents remarked that effective supervision is a two-way process, involving both supervisor and supervisee's commitment. Some reported that the requirements for effective supervision included the calibre of the PhD students, structure of the PhD programme, access to research infrastructure and resources, supervision training, multidisciplinary exposure and support. Male supervisors have significantly higher number of self-reported PhD graduates and published articles on Scopus but no difference from the females in h-index. We note both student and systemic challenges that training institutions may pursue to improve doctoral supervision in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude O Igumbor
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Edna N Bosire
- South African Medical Research Council Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Florah Karimi
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anne Katahoire
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jill Allison
- Division of Community Health, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. Johns, Canada
| | - Adamson S Muula
- Department of Public Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Anna Peixoto
- Department of Sociology and Work Science, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kennedy Otwombe
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Evelyn Gitau
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Goran Bondjers
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ademola Ajuwon
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Chirwa TF, Matsena Zingoni Z, Munyewende P, Manda SO, Mwambi H, Kandala NB, Kinyanjui S, Young T, Musenge E, Simbeye J, Musonda P, Mahande MJ, Weke P, Onyango NO, Kazembe L, Tumwesigye NM, Zuma K, Yende-Zuma N, Omanyondo Ohambe MC, Kweku EN, Maposa I, Ayele B, Achia T, Machekano R, Thabane L, Levin J, Eijkemans MJC, Carpenter J, Chasela C, Klipstein-Grobusch K, Todd J. Developing excellence in biostatistics leadership, training and science in Africa: How the Sub-Saharan Africa Consortium for Advanced Biostatistics (SSACAB) training unites expertise to deliver excellence. AAS Open Res 2020; 3:51. [PMID: 33501413 PMCID: PMC7802118 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13144.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase in health research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has led to a high demand for biostatisticians to develop study designs, contribute and apply statistical methods in data analyses. Initiatives exist to address the dearth in statistical capacity and lack of local biostatisticians in SSA health projects. The Sub-Saharan African Consortium for Advanced Biostatistics (SSACAB) led by African institutions was initiated to improve biostatistical capacity according to the needs identified by African institutions, through collaborative masters and doctoral training in biostatistics. SACCAB has created a critical mass of biostatisticians and a network of institutions over the last five years and has strengthened biostatistics resources and capacity for health research studies in SSA. SSACAB comprises 11 universities and four research institutions which are supported by four European universities. In 2015, only four universities had established Masters programmes in biostatistics and SSACAB supported the remaining seven to develop Masters programmes. In 2019 the University of the Witwatersrand became the first African institution to gain Royal Statistical Society accreditation for a Biostatistics Masters programme. A total of 150 fellows have been awarded scholarships to date of which 123 are Masters fellowships (41 female) of whom 58 have already graduated. Graduates have been employed in African academic (19) and research (15) institutions and 10 have enrolled for PhD studies. A total of 27 (10 female) PhD fellowships have been awarded; 4 of them are due to graduate by 2020. To date, SSACAB Masters and PhD students have published 17 and 31 peer-reviewed articles, respectively. SSACAB has also facilitated well-attended conferences, face-to-face and online short courses. Pooling of limited biostatistics resources in SSA combined with co-funding from external partners has shown to be an effective strategy for the development and teaching of advanced biostatistics methods, supervision and mentoring of PhD candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias F Chirwa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Zvifadzo Matsena Zingoni
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Pascalia Munyewende
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Samuel O Manda
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.,Department of Statistics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,School of Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.,Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Henry Mwambi
- School of Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Samson Kinyanjui
- Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Taryn Young
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eustasius Musenge
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Jupiter Simbeye
- Mathematical Sciences Department, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Patrick Musonda
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Michael Johnson Mahande
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Patrick Weke
- School of Mathematics, College of Biological and Physical Science, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nelson Owuor Onyango
- School of Mathematics, College of Biological and Physical Science, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lawrence Kazembe
- Department of Statistics and Population Studies,, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | | | - Khangelani Zuma
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.,Human and Social Capabilities (HSC) Research Division, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma
- Statistics and Data Management, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Marie-Claire Omanyondo Ohambe
- Biostatistics, Doctoral School, Institut Superieur Des Techniques Medicales De Kinshasa (ISTM), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Emmanuel Nakua Kweku
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Innocent Maposa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Birhanu Ayele
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Thomas Achia
- Division of Global HIV & TB (DGHT), United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, KEMRI Campus, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Rhoderick Machekano
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jonathan Levin
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Marinus J C Eijkemans
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - James Carpenter
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Charles Chasela
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.,Research statistics, Right to Care, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.,Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jim Todd
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Vicente-Crespo M, Agunbiade O, Eyers J, Thorogood M, Fonn S. Institutionalizing research capacity strengthening in LMICs: A systematic review and meta-synthesis. AAS Open Res 2020; 3:43. [PMID: 33215062 PMCID: PMC7653640 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13116.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Evidence on effective strategies to ensure sustainability of research capacity strengthening interventions in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions is lacking. This systematic review identified publications describing research capacity building programs and noted their effect, their contexts, and the mechanisms, processes and social actors employed in them. Methods: We searched online databases for the period 2011-2018. Inclusion criteria were that the publications 1) described the intervention; 2) were implemented in LMICs; 3) were based in, or relevant to, university staff or post docs; 4) aimed to improve research capacity; 5) aimed to effect change at the institutional level. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full text in consecutive rounds, a third resolved disagreements. Two people extracted the data of each full text using a data extraction tool covering data relevant to our question. Results: In total 4052 citations were identified and 19 papers were included, which referred to 14 interventions. Only three interventions mentioned using a conceptual framework to develop their approach and none described using a theory of change to assess outcomes. The most frequent inputs described were some method of formal training, promotion of a research-conducive environment and establishment of research support systems. A range of outcomes were reported, most frequently an increased number of publications and proportion of staff with PhDs. When factors of success were discussed, this was attributed to a rigorous approach to implementation, adequate funding, and local buy-in. Those who mentioned sustainability linked it to availability of funds and local buy-in. The lack of a common lexicon and a framework against which to report outcomes made comparison between initiatives difficult. Conclusions: The reduced number of interventions that met the inclusion criteria suggests that programs should be well-described, evaluated systematically, and findings published so that the research capacity strengthening community can extract important lessons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Vicente-Crespo
- African Population and Health Research Center, African Population and Health Research Center Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ojo Agunbiade
- Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - John Eyers
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, London, UK
| | | | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Chirwa TF, Matsena Zingoni Z, Munyewende P, Manda SO, Mwambi H, Kandala NB, Kinyanjui S, Young T, Musenge E, Simbeye J, Musonda P, Mahande MJ, Weke P, Onyango NO, Kazembe L, Tumwesigye NM, Zuma K, Yende-Zuma N, Omanyondo Ohambe MC, Kweku EN, Maposa I, Ayele B, Achia T, Machekano R, Thabane L, Levin J, Eijkemans MJ, Carpenter J, Chasela C, Klipstein-Grobusch K, Todd J. Developing excellence in biostatistics leadership, training and science in Africa: How the Sub-Saharan Africa Consortium for Advanced Biostatistics (SSACAB) training unites expertise to deliver excellence. AAS Open Res 2020; 3:51. [DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13144.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase in health research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has generated large amounts of data and led to a high demand for biostatisticians to analyse these data locally and quickly. Donor-funded initiatives exist to address the dearth in statistical capacity, but few initiatives have been led by African institutions. The Sub-Saharan African Consortium for Advanced Biostatistics (SSACAB) aims to improve biostatistical capacity in Africa according to the needs identified by African institutions, through (collaborative) masters and doctoral training in biostatistics. We describe the SSACAB Consortium, which comprises 11 universities and four research institutions- supported by four European universities. SSACAB builds on existing resources to strengthen biostatistics for health research with a focus on supporting biostatisticians to become research leaders; building a critical mass of biostatisticians, and networking institutions and biostatisticians across SSA. In 2015 only four institutions had established Masters programmes in biostatistics and SSACAB supported the remaining institutions to develop Masters programmes. In 2019 the University of the Witwatersrand became the first African institution to gain Royal Statistical Society accreditation for a Biostatistics MSc programme. A total of 150 fellows have been awarded scholarships to date of which 123 are Masters fellowships (41 female) of which with 58 have already graduated. Graduates have been employed in African academic (19) and research (15) institutions and 10 have enrolled for PhD studies. A total of 27 (10 female) PhD fellowships have been awarded; 4 of them are due to graduate by 2020. To date, SSACAB Masters and PhD students have published 17 and 31 peer-reviewed articles, respectively. SSACAB has also facilitated well-attended conferences, face-to-face and online short courses. Pooling the limited biostatistics resources in SSA, and combining with co-funding from external partners is an effective strategy for the development and teaching of advanced biostatistics methods, supervision and mentoring of PhD candidates.
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Vicente-Crespo M, Agunbiade O, Eyers J, Thorogood M, Fonn S. Institutionalizing research capacity strengthening in LMICs: A systematic review and meta-synthesis. AAS Open Res 2020; 3:43. [PMID: 33215062 PMCID: PMC7653640 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13116.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Evidence on effective strategies to ensure sustainability of research capacity strengthening interventions in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions is lacking. This systematic review identified publications describing research capacity building programs and noted their effect, their contexts, and the mechanisms, processes and social actors employed in them. Methods: We searched online databases for the period 2011-2018. Inclusion criteria were that the publications 1) described the intervention; 2) were implemented in LMICs; 3) were based in, or relevant to, university staff or post docs; 4) aimed to improve research capacity; 5) aimed to effect change at the institutional level. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full text in consecutive rounds, a third resolved disagreements. Two people extracted the data of each full text using a data extraction tool covering data relevant to our question. Results: In total 4052 citations were identified and 19 papers were included, which referred to 14 interventions. Only three interventions mentioned using a conceptual framework to develop their approach and none described using a theory of change to assess outcomes. The most frequent inputs described were some method of formal training, promotion of a research-conducive environment and establishment of research support systems. A range of outcomes were reported, most frequently an increased number of publications and proportion of staff with PhDs. When factors of success were discussed, this was attributed to a rigorous approach to implementation, adequate funding, and local buy-in. Those who mentioned sustainability linked it to availability of funds and local buy-in. The lack of a common lexicon and a framework against which to report outcomes made comparison between initiatives difficult. Conclusions: The reduced number of interventions that met the inclusion criteria suggests that programs should be well-described, evaluated systematically, and findings published so that the research capacity strengthening community can extract important lessons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Vicente-Crespo
- African Population and Health Research Center, African Population and Health Research Center Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ojo Agunbiade
- Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - John Eyers
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, London, UK
| | | | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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CARTA fellows' scientific contribution to the African public and population Health Research agenda (2011 to 2018). BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1030. [PMID: 32600381 PMCID: PMC7324979 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09147-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Since its inception in 2009, the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) program has focused on strengthening the capacity of nine African universities and four research centres to produce skilled researchers and scholars able to improve public and population health on the continent. This study describes the alignment between CARTA-supported doctoral topics and publications with the priorities articulated by the African public and population health research agenda. Methods We reviewed the output from CARTA PhD fellows between 2011 and 2018 to establish the volume and scope of the publications, and the degree to which the research focus coincided with the SDGs, World Bank, and African Development Bank research priority areas. We identified nine key priority areas into which the topics were classified. Results In total, 140 CARTA fellows published 806 articles in peer-reviewed journals over the 8 years up to 2018. All the publications considered in this paper had authors affiliated with African universities, 90% of the publications had an African university first author and 41% of the papers have CARTA fellows as the first author. The publications are available in over 6300 online versions and have been cited in over 5500 other publications. About 69% of the published papers addressed the nine African public and population health research agenda and SDG priority areas. Infectious diseases topped the list of publications (26.8%), followed by the health system and policy research (17.6%), maternal and child health (14.7%), sexual and reproductive health (14.3%). Conclusions Investments by CARTA in supporting doctoral studies provides fellows with sufficient training and skills to publish their research in fields of public and population health. The number of publications is understandably uneven across Africa’s public and population priority areas. Even while low in number, fellows are publishing in areas such as non-communicable disease, health financing, neglected tropical diseases and environmental health. Violence and injury is perhaps underrepresented. There is need to keep developing research capacity in partner institutions with low research output by training more PhDs in such institutions and by facilitating enabling environments for research.
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Somefun OD, Adebayo KO. The role of mentoring in research ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa: Some experiences through the CARTA opportunity. Glob Public Health 2020; 16:36-47. [PMID: 32486968 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1776365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mentoring is important for improving capacity development in population and public health research in sub-Saharan Africa. A variety of experiences have been documented since Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) admitted the first cohort in 2011. However, the experience of mentoring opportunities in CARTA has not been studied. Our study focused on the perceptions, experiences and challenges of mentoring among CARTA fellows. We adopted a descriptive design based on data collected from the fellows using an online semi-structured questionnaire. Out of 143 fellows in the programme, a total of 52 fellows from seven cohorts completed the questionnaire. Fifty-three percent of the respondents were females, more than half belonged to the health sciences while 35% were in the social sciences. Fellows received mentoring from CARTA graduates and experienced researchers in the CARTA network, but they also engaged in peer-mentoring with one another. Teaching, publishing, conference attendance and grant application were considered particularly important in mentoring, but mentors and mentees highlighted personal and social issues such as networking, work-family life balance, and managing stress and time, as challenges. There is a need for more formalised but flexible mentorship initiative in the CARTA fellowship to facilitate enduring relationships for career development.
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28
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Scholtz SE, de Klerk W, de Beer LT. The Use of Research Methods in Psychological Research: A Systematised Review. Front Res Metr Anal 2020; 5:1. [PMID: 33870039 PMCID: PMC8028395 DOI: 10.3389/frma.2020.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Research methods play an imperative role in research quality as well as educating young researchers, however, the application thereof is unclear which can be detrimental to the field of psychology. Therefore, this systematised review aimed to determine what research methods are being used, how these methods are being used and for what topics in the field. Our review of 999 articles from five journals over a period of 5 years indicated that psychology research is conducted in 10 topics via predominantly quantitative research methods. Of these 10 topics, social psychology was the most popular. The remainder of the conducted methodology is described. It was also found that articles lacked rigour and transparency in the used methodology which has implications for replicability. In conclusion this article, provides an overview of all reported methodologies used in a sample of psychology journals. It highlights the popularity and application of methods and designs throughout the article sample as well as an unexpected lack of rigour with regard to most aspects of methodology. Possible sample bias should be considered when interpreting the results of this study. It is recommended that future research should utilise the results of this study to determine the possible impact on the field of psychology as a science and to further investigation into the use of research methods. Results should prompt the following future research into: a lack or rigour and its implication on replication, the use of certain methods above others, publication bias and choice of sampling method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salomé Elizabeth Scholtz
- Community Psychosocial Research (COMPRES), School of Psychosocial Health, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Werner de Klerk
- Community Psychosocial Research (COMPRES), School of Psychosocial Health, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Leon T de Beer
- WorkWell Research Institute, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Khisa AM, Ngure P, Gitau E, Musasiah J, Kilonzo E, Otukpa E, Vicente-Crespo M, Kyobutungi C, Ezeh A, Fonn S. Gender responsive multidisciplinary doctoral training program: the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) experience. Glob Health Action 2020; 12:1670002. [PMID: 31570070 PMCID: PMC6781179 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2019.1670002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Doctoral training has increasingly become the requirement for faculty in institutions of higher learning in Africa. Africa, however, still lacks sufficient capacity to conduct research, with just 1.4% of all published research authored by African researchers. Similarly, women in Sub-Saharan Africa only constitute 30% of the continent’s researchers, and correspondingly publish little research. Challenging these gendered inequities requires a gender responsive doctoral program that caters for women’s gender roles that likely affect their enrollment in, and completion of, doctoral programs. In this article, we describe a public and population health multidisciplinary doctoral training program – CARTA and its approach to supporting women. This has resulted in women’s enrollment in the program equaling men’s and similar throughput rates. CARTA has achieved this by meeting women’s practical needs around childbearing and childrearing and we argue that this has produced some outcomes that challenge gender norms, such as fathers being child minders in support of their wives and creating visible female role models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Khisa
- Research Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center , Nairobi , Kenya
| | - Peter Ngure
- Department of Applied and Technical Biology, Technical University of Kenya , Nairobi , Kenya
| | - Evelyn Gitau
- Research Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center , Nairobi , Kenya
| | - Justus Musasiah
- Research Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center , Nairobi , Kenya
| | - Eunice Kilonzo
- Research Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center , Nairobi , Kenya
| | - Emmanuel Otukpa
- Research Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center , Nairobi , Kenya
| | - Marta Vicente-Crespo
- Research Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center , Nairobi , Kenya
| | - Catherine Kyobutungi
- Research Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center , Nairobi , Kenya
| | - Alex Ezeh
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University, Philadelphia & School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
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Ezeani A, Odedina F, Rivers D, Fatiregun O, Akinremi T. SWOT Analysis of Oncology Clinical Trials in Africa: A Town Hall Report From the Global Congress on Oncology Clinical Trials in Blacks. JCO Glob Oncol 2019; 5:1-7. [PMID: 31809225 PMCID: PMC6939738 DOI: 10.1200/jgo.19.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is rapidly becoming a public health crisis as a result of the continued growth and ageing of the global population and will greatly affect resource-limited low- to middle-income countries. It is widely acknowledged that research should be conducted within countries that will bear the greatest burden of disease, and Africa has the unparalleled opportunity to lead the way in developing clinical trials to improve the health of its countries. In 2018, the inaugural Global Congress on Oncology Clinical Trials in Blacks was organized to address the global challenges of clinical trials for oncology among black populations. During this event, researchers, scientists, and advocates participated in a town hall meeting where they explored the status of oncology clinical trials in Africa using the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) approach. Participants discussed noteworthy successes, significant barriers, and opportunities to address gaps in developing a sustainable clinical research framework. Many comments centered on the lack of funding and inadequate infrastructure affecting most African countries. Others noted important successes, such as thriving collaborations among institutions and improved political commitment in support of clinical research. The main objectives of the town hall session were to share knowledge on and discuss advantages and disadvantages of conducting clinical research in Africa. These discussions are invaluable in developing interventions and policies that improve clinical research capabilities in Africa.
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Libhaber E, Chirwa T, Kramer B. A biostatistical support system in health sciences: is this sustainable in a resource-restricted environment? Health Res Policy Syst 2019; 17:66. [PMID: 31277651 PMCID: PMC6612072 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-019-0470-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Training in biostatistics is important for strengthening capacity in health research. This is particularly true for Africa, where research output in the health sciences has been low. Training initiatives for the continent are therefore essential. The aim of the present study was to analyse the quality and financial sustainability of the expanded biostatistical support system at a South African health sciences institution between 2013 and 2017. Methods A cross-sectional investigation of the initiatives created between the years 2013 and 2017 in the University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences Research Office was undertaken. An assessment of the one-on-one consultations carried out by postgraduate students and staff, financial costs of the support system and the number of postgraduate student graduations were analysed. Results The number of statistical consultations increased over the period examined. The consultations were highly recommended by the postgraduate students and staff (consulters). A clear rise in the number of Masters and PhD student graduates and an increase in research units were observed from 2013 to 2017, although these cannot be solely associated with the biostatistical support system. The finances for maintaining the support system are cost effective as the number of graduates increases. The total cost to the Research Office is US$ 225 per graduate per annum. Conclusions The expansion of the biostatistical support system has indirectly contributed to an increased number of graduates and research publication units in the institution. While the current finances support the system, any increases in enrolments or growth in diversification of biostatistical requirements may place a strain on the financial sustainability. This service is of value to developed and developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Libhaber
- Health Sciences Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Tobias Chirwa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Beverley Kramer
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Univerisity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Mayor A, Martínez-Pérez G, Tarr-Attia CK, Breeze-Barry B, Sarukhan A, García-Sípido AM, Hurtado JC, Lansana DP, Casamitjana N. Training through malaria research: building capacity in good clinical and laboratory practice in Liberia. Malar J 2019; 18:136. [PMID: 30999908 PMCID: PMC6471755 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2767-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Limited health research capacities (HRC) undermine a country’s ability to identify and adequately respond to local health needs. Although numerous interventions to strengthen HRC have been conducted in Africa, there is a need to share the lessons learnt by funding organizations, institutes and researchers. The aim of this report is to identify best practices in HRC strengthening by describing a training programme conducted between 2016 and 2017 at the Saint Joseph’s Catholic Hospital (SJCH) in Monrovia (Liberia). Methods A call for trainees was launched at the SJCH, the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Mother Pattern College of Health Sciences (MPCHS) and community members. Selected trainees participated in four workshops on Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), standard operating procedures (SOP) and scientific communication, as well as in a 5-months eLearning mentoring programme. After the training, a collectively-designed research project on malaria was conducted. Results Twenty-one of the 28 trainees (14 from the SJCH, 3 from LMHRA, one from MPCHS, and 10 community representatives) completed the programme satisfactorily. Pre- and post-training questionnaires completed by 9 of the trainees showed a 14% increase in the percentage of correct answers. Trainees participated in a mixed-methods cross-sectional study of Plasmodium falciparum infection among pregnant women at the SJCH. Selected trainees disseminated activities and research outcomes in three international meetings and three scientific publications. Conclusion This training-through-research programme successfully involved SJCH staff and community members in a practical research exercise on malaria during pregnancy. The challenge is to ensure that the SJCH remains active in research. Harmonization of effectiveness indicators for HRC initiatives would strengthen the case for investing in such efforts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-019-2767-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | | | | | - Adelaida Sarukhan
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Núria Casamitjana
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Habineza H, Nsanzabaganwa C, Nyirimanzi N, Umuhoza C, Cartledge K, Conard C, Cartledge P. Perceived attitudes of the importance and barriers to research amongst Rwandan interns and pediatric residents - a cross-sectional study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2019; 19:4. [PMID: 30606184 PMCID: PMC6318911 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1425-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, interns and residents face significant challenges with respect to research activity. Despite this, they are motivated and have an interest in undertaking research. To date, there has been no research regarding the perceived attitudes towards research activities amongst Rwandan residents and interns. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to describe the perceived attitudes regarding the educational benefits and barriers surrounding research activity amongst interns and residents, and to identify any differences between these groups. The secondary objective was to describe the research methods used by interns and residents in Rwanda. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study of interns and pediatric trainees at the University of Rwanda. An online questionnaire using Likert scale questions was sent electronically to eligible participants. RESULTS A total of sixty participants (38 interns and 22 pediatric residents) responded to the survey. Both groups acknowledged the educational importance of undertaking research, with interns reporting this more than residents. Both groups identified the following as barriers to research: faculty lacking time to mentor, lack of funding, lack of statistical support, and lack of faculty experienced in conducting research. Interns (87%) were much more likely to have undertaken retrospective research than pediatric residents (14%). Few interns or residents submitted their research for publication (27%). CONCLUSIONS Both interns and residents understood the importance of research, but many barriers exist. Increasing the time available for experienced faculty members to supervise research is challenging due to low faculty numbers. Novel solutions will need to be found as well as expanding the time for trainees to perform research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Habineza
- University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Christian Umuhoza
- University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- University Teaching Hospital of Butare, Huye, Rwanda
| | | | - Craig Conard
- University Teaching Hospital of Butare, Huye, Rwanda
- Yale University (USA), Rwanda Human Resources for Health (HRH) Program, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Peter Cartledge
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
- Yale University (USA), Rwanda Human Resources for Health (HRH) Program, Kigali, Rwanda
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Kramer B, Libhaber E. Closing the barrier between disease and health outcomes in Africa through research and capacity development. Glob Health Action 2018; 11:1425597. [PMID: 29370732 PMCID: PMC5795707 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2018.1425597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the burden of disease in Africa is high, health research emanating from the continent is low. Building human capacity and research infrastructure to close the gap between research and disease is thus of great imporatance. OBJECTIVE In order to improve research outputs and postgraduate training in the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, the Health Sciences Research Office put in place a series of strategic initiatives over time. METHODS A range of strategic activities, for both postgraduate students and academic staff, were developed in parallel and sequentially over a period of approximately nine years (2008-2016). The latter years were a time of consolidation of the programmes. Outcomes of these activities were 'measured' by increases in publications, decreases in time to graduation and enrichment of the research environment. RESULTS A doubling of research publications and an increase in citations occurred over the period under review. In addition, there was a decrease in the time postgraduate students took to graduate. CONCLUSIONS A varied, but structured research management plan may be of value in African and other developing health sciences institutions to enable the increase in research outputs and capacity development, desperately needed to close the barrier between disease and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Kramer
- a Health Sciences Research Office , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa.,b School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Elena Libhaber
- a Health Sciences Research Office , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
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Bruce JC, Dippenaar J, Schmollgruber S, Mphuthi DD, Huiskamp A. Advancing nursing scholarship: the Mozambique model. Glob Health Action 2018; 10:1351116. [PMID: 28771092 PMCID: PMC5645685 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1351116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite the importance of Human Resources for Health for the development and functioning of health systems worldwide, many countries continue to be plagued by poor health systems and a lack of adequate health care. Health systems failures may be attributed to both quantitative and qualitative nursing shortages including the lack of advanced skills to lead health initiatives, to conduct research and to educate other nurses. The response by development partners is usually framed around the production of skilled nurses through the processes of up-skilling and scaling-up. The outcome is expanded practice but with scant attention to the professional advancement of nurses. Objectives: In this paper we present a two-phased capacity development model that adopted professionalization strategies to advance nursing scholarship and consequent postgraduate specialization of the first cohort of nurses in Mozambique. The main objectives were to: develop and implement a clinical course work master’s degree in nursing; and ensure sustainability by capacitating the host institution to continue with the master’s programme following graduation. Methods: Rigorous processes for project discussions, negotiations and monitoring were necessary amid limited resources and a challenging political climate. Forging in-country partnerships, sustaining alliances and government investment are thus key to the success of the Mozambique model. Outcomes: Notwithstanding some difficulties, the process unfolded over a five-year period, graduating the first cohort of 11 senior nurses with a master’s degree, specializing either in critical care and trauma nursing, or maternal and neonatal health. Conclusions: Bridging the skills gap between generalist and specialist nurses is essential for them to manage complex and high acuity cases and to reverse associated morbidity and mortality. We conclude that this model serves as a professionalization strategy to advance nurses’ scholarship of clinical practice, research and teaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith C Bruce
- a Department of Nursing Education, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Joan Dippenaar
- b Technical Advisor Training Unit , Health Systems Trust , Durban , South Africa
| | - Shelley Schmollgruber
- a Department of Nursing Education, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - David D Mphuthi
- a Department of Nursing Education, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa.,c Department of Health Studies , University of South Africa , Pretoria , South Africa
| | - Agnes Huiskamp
- a Department of Nursing Education, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
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Mbuagbaw L, Slogrove AL, Sas J, Lengwe Kunda J, Morfaw F, Mukonzo JK, Cao W, Ngomba-Kadima G, Zunza M, Ongolo-Zogo P, Nana PN, Cockcroft A, Andersson N, Sewankambo N, Cotton MF, Li T, Young T, Singer J, Routy JP, Ross CJ, Thin K, Thabane L, Anis AH. Output from the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network international postdoctoral fellowship for capacity building in HIV clinical trials. HIV AIDS-RESEARCH AND PALLIATIVE CARE 2018; 10:151-155. [PMID: 30147378 PMCID: PMC6101741 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s150107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As a response to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic and part of Canadian Institutes for Health Research’s mandate to support international health research capacity building, the Canadian Institutes for Health Research Canadian HIV Trial Network (CTN) developed an international postdoctoral fellowship award under the CTN’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards Program to support and train young HIV researchers in resource-limited settings. Since 2010, the fellowship has been awarded to eight fellows in Cameroon, China, Lesotho, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia. These fellows have conducted research on a wide variety of topics and have built a strong network of collaboration and scientific productivity, with 40 peer-reviewed publications produced by six fellows during their fellowships. They delivered two workshops at international conferences and have continued to secure funding for their research, using the fellowship as a stepping stone. The CTN has been successful in building local HIV research capacity and forming a strong network of like-minded junior low- and middle-income country researchers with high levels of research productivity. They have developed into mentors, supervisors and faculty members, who, in turn, build local capacity. The sustainability of this international fellowship award relies on the recognition of its strengths and the involvement of other stakeholders for additional resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Mbuagbaw
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, .,Biostatistics Unit, Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada, .,Centre for Development of Best Practices in Health, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon,
| | - Amy L Slogrove
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Family Clinical Research Unit (FAM-CRU), Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.,UBC School of Population and Public Health, Vancouver, BC
| | | | - John Lengwe Kunda
- Community Information and Epidemiological Technologies (CIET), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Frederick Morfaw
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicines and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Jackson K Mukonzo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Makerere, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Wei Cao
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Moleen Zunza
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.,Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Ongolo-Zogo
- Centre for Development of Best Practices in Health, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon,
| | - Philip N Nana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicines and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Anne Cockcroft
- Community Information and Epidemiological Technologies (CIET) Trust Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.,Community Information and Epidemiological Technologies - Participatory Research at McGill (CIET-PRAM), Department of Family Medicine, McGill University
| | - Neil Andersson
- Community Information and Epidemiological Technologies (CIET) Trust Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.,Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Mexico.,Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nelson Sewankambo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Makerere, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mark F Cotton
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Family Clinical Research Unit (FAM-CRU), Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Taisheng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Taryn Young
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Joel Singer
- UBC School of Population and Public Health, Vancouver, BC.,CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, UBC, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, UBC, Canada.,Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Colin Jd Ross
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kyaw Thin
- Research Coordination Unit, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, .,Biostatistics Unit, Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada, .,CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, UBC, Canada.,Departments of Paediatrics and Anaesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Centre for Evaluation of Medicine, St Joseph's Healthcare-Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Aslam H Anis
- UBC School of Population and Public Health, Vancouver, BC.,CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, UBC, Canada
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Halpaap B, Vahedi M, Certain E, Alvarado T, Saint Martin C, Merle C, Mihut M, Launois P. Tracking the career development of scientists in low- and middle-income countries trained through TDR's research capacity strengthening programmes: Learning from monitoring and impact evaluation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006112. [PMID: 29216192 PMCID: PMC5736233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) co-sponsored by UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank and WHO has been supporting research capacity strengthening in low- and middle-income countries for over 40 years. In order to assess and continuously optimize its capacity strengthening approaches, an evaluation of the influence of TDR training grants on research career development was undertaken. The assessment was part of a larger evaluation conducted by the European Science Foundation. A comprehensive survey questionnaire was developed and sent to a group of 117 trainees supported by TDR who had completed their degree (masters or PhD) between 2000 and 2012; of these, seventy seven (77) responded. Most of the respondents (80%) rated TDR support as a very important factor that influenced their professional career achievements. The “brain drain” phenomenon towards high-income countries was particularly low amongst TDR grantees: the rate of return to their region of origin upon completion of their degree was 96%. A vast majority of respondents are still working in research (89%), with 81% of respondents having participated in multidisciplinary research activities; women engaged in multidisciplinary collaboration to a higher extent than men. However, only a minority of all have engaged in intersectoral collaboration, an aspect that would require further study. The post-degree career choices made by the respondents were strongly influenced by academic considerations. At the time of the survey, 92% of all respondents hold full-time positions, mainly in the public sector. Almost 25% of the respondents reported that they had influenced policy and practice changes. Some of the challenges and opportunities faced by trainees at various stages of their research career have been identified. Modalities to overcome these will require further investigation. The survey evidenced how TDR’s research capacity grant programmes made a difference on researchers’ career development and on south-south collaborations, by strengthening and localizing research capacity in lower income regions, and also showed there is more that needs to be done. The factors involved, challenges and lessons learnt may help donors and policy makers improve their future interventions with regard to designing capacity strengthening programmes and setting funding priorities. The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) co-sponsored by UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank and WHO has been providing training grants to strengthen research capacity in low- and middle-income countries for over 40 years. In order to assess to what extent TDR’s grants made a difference on the career development of these grantees, a survey tool was developed and implemented in collaboration with the European Science Foundation. The survey was answered by 77 individual trainees who completed their degree (masters or PhD) with support from TDR between 2000 and 2012. The study provided valuable information on factors involved in the career development of the trainees and influencing the local retention of the capacity that has been built, to prevent “brain drain”. Encouraging aspects, such as a 96% of the capacity being retained locally, a 92% full-time employment rate at the time of the survey, or 89% of the respondents still working in research showed the positive influence of TDR’s capacity strengthening grants on researchers’ career development. This was in line with 80% of the respondents rating TDR’s support as “very important”. The challenges, lessons learnt and further opportunities identified may be helpful to donors and policy-makers when designing research capacity programmes, fostering south-south collaboration, and setting funding priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice Halpaap
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mahnaz Vahedi
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Edith Certain
- Consultant, TDR, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tini Alvarado
- Consultant, TDR, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Saint Martin
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Pôle Recherche et Santé publique, Unité d'aide méthodologique, Reims, France
| | - Corinne Merle
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michael Mihut
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Launois
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Izugbara CO, Kabiru CW, Amendah D, Dimbuene ZT, Donfouet HPP, Atake EH, Ingabire MG, Maluka S, Mumah JN, Mwau M, Ndinya M, Ngure K, Sidze EM, Sossa C, Soura A, Ezeh AC. "It takes more than a fellowship program": reflections on capacity strengthening for health systems research in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:696. [PMID: 29219076 PMCID: PMC5773879 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2638-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experiences an acute dearth of well-trained and skilled researchers. This dearth constrains the region’s capacity to identify and address the root causes of its poor social, health, development, and other outcomes. Building sustainable research capacity in SSA requires, among other things, locally led and run initiatives that draw on existing regional capacities as well as mutually beneficial global collaborations. This paper describes a regional research capacity strengthening initiative—the African Doctoral Dissertation Research Fellowship (ADDRF) program. This Africa-based and African-led initiative has emerged as a practical and tested platform for producing and nurturing research leaders, strengthening university-wide systems for quality research training and productivity, and building a critical mass of highly-trained African scholars and researchers. The program deploys different interventions to ensure the success of fellows. These interventions include research methods and scientific writing workshops, research and reentry support grants, post-doctoral research support and placements, as well as grants for networking and scholarly conferences attendance. Across the region, ADDRF graduates are emerging as research leaders, showing signs of becoming the next generation of world-class researchers, and supporting the transformations of their home-institutions. While the contributions of the ADDRF program to research capacity strengthening in the region are significant, the sustainability of the initiative and other research and training fellowship programs on the continent requires significant investments from local sources and, especially, governments and the private sector in Africa. The ADDRF experience demonstrates that research capacity building in Africa is possible through innovative, multifaceted interventions that support graduate students to develop different critical capacities and transferable skills and build, expand, and maintain networks that can sustain them as scholars and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chimaraoke O Izugbara
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya. .,School of Public Health, The University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Caroline W Kabiru
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya.,School of Public Health, The University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Djesika Amendah
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Zacharie Tsala Dimbuene
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Demography, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | | | | | - Stephen Maluka
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Joyce N Mumah
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Matilu Mwau
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mollyne Ndinya
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Estelle M Sidze
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Sossa
- Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Abdramane Soura
- Ouagadougou Health and Demographic Surveillance System, ISSP, Université de Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Alex C Ezeh
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya.,School of Public Health, The University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Hiatt RA, Engmann NJ, Ahmed M, Amarsi Y, Macharia WM, Macfarlane SB, Ngugi AK, Rabbani F, Walraven G, Armstrong RW. Population Health Science: A Core Element of Health Science Education in Sub-Saharan Africa. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2017; 92:462-467. [PMID: 27508343 PMCID: PMC5367502 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000001320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa suffers an inordinate burden of disease and does not have the numbers of suitably trained health care workers to address this challenge. New concepts in health sciences education are needed to offer alternatives to current training approaches.A perspective of integrated training in population health for undergraduate medical and nursing education is advanced, rather than continuing to take separate approaches for clinical and public health education. Population health science educates students in the social and environmental origins of disease, thus complementing disease-specific training and providing opportunities for learners to take the perspective of the community as a critical part of their education.Many of the recent initiatives in health science education in sub-Saharan Africa are reviewed, and two case studies of innovative change in undergraduate medical education are presented that begin to incorporate such population health thinking. The focus is on East Africa, one of the most rapidly growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa where opportunities for change in health science education are opening. The authors conclude that a focus on population health is a timely and effective way for enhancing training of health care professionals to reduce the burden of disease in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Hiatt
- R.A. Hiatt is professor and chair, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, and director of population sciences and associate director, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Natalie J. Engmann
- N.J. Engmann is a doctoral student, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Mushtaq Ahmed
- M. Ahmed is professor and associate dean of medical education, Aga Khan University, Faculty of Health Sciences–East Africa, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Yasmin Amarsi
- Y. Amarsi is professor and dean, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Faculty of Health Sciences–East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - William M. Macharia
- W.M. Macharia is professor and chair, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Faculty of Health Sciences–East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah B. Macfarlane
- S.B. Macfarlane is professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, and visiting professor, Aga Khan University, Faculty of Health Sciences–East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anthony K. Ngugi
- A.K. Ngugi is assistant professor, Aga Khan University, Faculty of Health Sciences–East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fauziah Rabbani
- F. Rabbani is professor and chair, Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University–Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Gijs Walraven
- G. Walraven is honorary professor, Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University–Karachi, Pakistan, and director for health, Aga Khan Development Network, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Robert W. Armstrong
- R.W. Armstrong is professor and dean of the medical college, Aga Khan University, Faculty of Health Sciences–East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
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Yarmoshuk AN, Guantai AN, Mwangu M, Cole DC, Zarowsky C. Mapping International University Partnerships Identified by East African Universities as Strengthening Their Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health Programs. Ann Glob Health 2017; 82:665-677.e2. [PMID: 28283117 DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND International university partnerships are recommended for increasing the capacity of sub-Saharan African universities. Many publications describe individual partnerships and projects, and tools are available for guiding collaborations, but systematic mappings of the basic, common characteristics of partnerships are scarce. OBJECTIVE To document and categorize the international interuniversity partnerships deemed significant to building the capacity of medicine, nursing, and public health programs of 4 East African universities. METHODS Two universities in Kenya and 2 in Tanzania were purposefully selected. Key informant interviews, conducted with 42 senior representatives of the 4 universities, identified partnerships they considered significant for increasing the capacity of their institutions' medicine, nursing, and public health programs in education, research, or service. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Partners were classified by country of origin and corresponding international groupings, duration, programs, and academic health science components. FINDINGS One hundred twenty-nine university-to-university partnerships from 23 countries were identified. Each university reported between 25 and 36 international university partners. Seventy-four percent of partnerships were with universities in high-income countries, 15% in low- and middle-income countries, and 11% with consortia. Seventy percent included medicine, 37% nursing, and 45% public health; 15% included all 3 programs. Ninety-two percent included an education component, 47% research, and 24% service; 12% included all 3 components. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the rapid growth of interuniversity cross-border health partnerships this century. It also finds, however, that there is a pool of established international partnerships from numerous countries at each university. Most partnerships that seek to strengthen universities in East Africa should likely ensure they have a significant education component. Universities should make more systematic information about past and existing partnerships available publicly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mughwira Mwangu
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Christina Zarowsky
- University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; CR-CHUM/ESPUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec
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Li R, Ruiz F, Culyer AJ, Chalkidou K, Hofman KJ. Evidence-informed capacity building for setting health priorities in low- and middle-income countries: A framework and recommendations for further research. F1000Res 2017; 6:231. [PMID: 28721199 PMCID: PMC5497935 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.10966.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Priority-setting in health is risky and challenging, particularly in resource-constrained settings. It is not simply a narrow technical exercise, and involves the mobilisation of a wide range of capacities among stakeholders - not only the technical capacity to "do" research in economic evaluations. Using the Individuals, Nodes, Networks and Environment (INNE) framework, we identify those stakeholders, whose capacity needs will vary along the evidence-to-policy continuum. Policymakers and healthcare managers require the capacity to commission and use relevant evidence (including evidence of clinical and cost-effectiveness, and of social values); academics need to understand and respond to decision-makers' needs to produce relevant research. The health system at all levels will need institutional capacity building to incentivise routine generation and use of evidence. Knowledge brokers, including priority-setting agencies (such as England's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and Health Interventions and Technology Assessment Program, Thailand) and the media can play an important role in facilitating engagement and knowledge transfer between the various actors. Especially at the outset but at every step, it is critical that patients and the public understand that trade-offs are inherent in priority-setting, and careful efforts should be made to engage them, and to hear their views throughout the process. There is thus no single approach to capacity building; rather a spectrum of activities that recognises the roles and skills of all stakeholders. A range of methods, including formal and informal training, networking and engagement, and support through collaboration on projects, should be flexibly employed (and tailored to specific needs of each country) to support institutionalisation of evidence-informed priority-setting. Finally, capacity building should be a two-way process; those who build capacity should also attend to their own capacity development in order to sustain and improve impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Li
- Global Health and Development Group, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Francis Ruiz
- Global Health and Development Group, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony J Culyer
- University of York, York, UK
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kalipso Chalkidou
- Global Health and Development Group, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Karen J Hofman
- Priority Cost Effective Lessons for System Strengthening South Africa (PRICELESS SA), MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, Wits University School of Public Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
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African emergency care providers' attitudes and practices towards research. Afr J Emerg Med 2017; 7:9-14. [PMID: 30456100 PMCID: PMC6234192 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Emergency care research in Africa is not on par with other world regions. The study aimed to assess the perceptions and practices towards research among current emergency care providers in Africa. Methods A survey was sent to all individual members of the African Federation of Emergency Medicine. The survey was available in English and French. Results One hundred and sixty-eight responses were analysed (invited n = 540, responded n = 188, 34.8%, excluded n = 20). Responders’ mean age was 36.3 years (SD = 9.1); 122 (72.6%) were male, 104 (61.9%) were doctors, and 127 (75.6%) were African trained. Thirty-seven (22%) have never been involved in research; 33 (19.6%) have been involved in ⩾5 research projects. African related projects were mostly relevant to African audiences (n = 106, 63.1%). Ninety-four (56%) participants have never published. Forty-one (24.4%) were not willing to publish in open access journals requesting a publication fee; 65 (38.7%) will consider open access journals if fees are sponsored. Eighty responders (47.6%) frequently experienced access block to original articles due to subscription charges. Lack of research funding (n = 108, 64.3%), lack of research training (n = 86, 51.2%), and lack of allocated research time (n = 76, 45.2%) were the main barriers to research involvement. Improvement of research skills (n = 118, 70.2%) and having research published (n = 117, 69.6%) were the top motivational factors selected. Responders agreed that research promotes critical thinking (n = 137, 81.5%) and serve as an important educational tool (n = 134, 80.4%). However, 134 (79.8%) feel that emergency care workers need to be shown how to use research to improve clinical practice. Most agreed that insufficient emergency care research is being conducted in Africa (n = 113, 67.3%). Discussion There is scope to increase research involvement in emergency care in Africa, but solutions need to be find to address lack of research-related funding, training and time.
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Doherty JE, Wilkinson T, Edoka I, Hofman K. Strengthening expertise for health technology assessment and priority-setting in Africa. Glob Health Action 2017; 10:1370194. [PMID: 29035166 PMCID: PMC5700536 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1370194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achieving sustainable universal health coverage depends partly on fair priority-setting processes that ensure countries spend scarce resources wisely. While general health economics capacity-strengthening initiatives exist in Africa, less attention has been paid to developing the capacity of individuals, institutions and networks to apply economic evaluation in support of health technology assessment and effective priority-setting. OBJECTIVE On the basis of international lessons, to identify how research organisations and partnerships could contribute to capacity strengthening for health technology assessment and priority-setting in Africa. METHODS A rapid scan was conducted of international formal and grey literature and lessons extracted from the deliberations of two international and regional workshops relating to capacity-building for health technology assessment. 'Capacity' was defined in broad terms, including a conducive political environment, strong public institutional capacity to drive priority-setting, effective networking between experts, strong research organisations and skilled researchers. RESULTS Effective priority-setting requires more than high quality economic research. Researchers have to engage with an array of stakeholders, network closely other research organisations, build partnerships with different levels of government and train the future generation of researchers and policy-makers. In low- and middle-income countries where there are seldom government units or agencies dedicated to health technology assessment, they also have to support the development of an effective priority-setting process that is sensitive to societal and government needs and priorities. CONCLUSIONS Research organisations have an important role to play in contributing to the development of health technology assessment and priority-setting capacity. In Africa, where there are resource and capacity challenges, effective partnerships between local and international researchers, and with key government stakeholders, can leverage existing skills and knowledge to generate a critical mass of individuals and institutions. These would help to meet the priority-setting needs of African countries and contribute to sustainable universal health coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Doherty
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Thomas Wilkinson
- PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost-Effective Lessons for Systems Strengthening South Africa), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ijeoma Edoka
- PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost-Effective Lessons for Systems Strengthening South Africa), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Karen Hofman
- PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost-Effective Lessons for Systems Strengthening South Africa), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Fonn S, Egesah O, Cole D, Griffiths F, Manderson L, Kabiru C, Ezeh A, Thorogood M, Izugbara C. Building the capacity to solve complex health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa: CARTA's multidisciplinary PhD training. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2016; 107:e381-e386. [PMID: 28026701 DOI: 10.17269/cjph.107.5511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop a curriculum (Joint Advanced Seminars [JASs]) that produced PhD fellows who understood that health is an outcome of multiple determinants within complex environments and that approaches from a range of disciplines is required to address health and development within the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA). We sought to attract PhD fellows, supervisors and teaching faculty from a range of disciplines into the program. METHODS Multidisciplinary teams developed the JAS curriculum. CARTA PhD fellowships were open to academics in consortium member institutions, irrespective of primary discipline, interested in doing a PhD in public and population health. Supervisors and JAS faculty were recruited from CARTA institutions. We use routine JAS evaluation data (closed and open-ended questions) collected from PhD fellows at every JAS, a survey of one CARTA cohort, and an external evaluation of CARTA to assess the impact of the JAS curriculum on learning. RESULTS We describe our pedagogic approach, arguing its centrality to an appreciation of multiple disciplines, and illustrate how it promotes working in multidisciplinary ways. CARTA has attracted PhD fellows, supervisors and JAS teaching faculty from across a range of disciplines. Evaluations indicate PhD fellows have a greater appreciation of how disciplines other than their own are important to understanding health and its determinants and an appreciation and capacity to employ mixed methods research. CONCLUSIONS In the short term, we have been effective in promoting an understanding of multidisciplinarity, resulting in fellows using methods from beyond their discipline of origin. This curriculum has international application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng.
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Sam-Agudu NA, Paintsil E, Aliyu MH, Kwara A, Ogunsola F, Afrane YA, Onoka C, Awandare GA, Amponsah G, Cornelius LJ, Mendy G, Sturke R, Ghansah A, Siberry GK, Ezeanolue EE. Building Sustainable Local Capacity for Global Health Research in West Africa. Ann Glob Health 2016; 82:1010-1025. [PMID: 28314488 DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global health research in resource-limited countries has been largely sponsored and led by foreign institutions. Thus, these countries' training capacity and productivity in global health research is limited. Local participation at all levels of global health knowledge generation promotes equitable access to evidence-based solutions. Additionally, leadership inclusive of competent local professionals promotes best outcomes for local contextualization and implementation of successful global health solutions. Among the sub-Saharan African regions, West Africa in particular lags in research infrastructure, productivity, and impact in global health research. OBJECTIVE In this paper, experts discuss strategies for scaling up West Africa's participation in global health evidence generation using examples from Ghana and Nigeria. METHODS We conducted an online and professional network search to identify grants awarded for global health research and research education in Ghana and Nigeria. Principal investigators, global health educators, and representatives of funding institutions were invited to add their knowledge and expertise with regard to strengthening research capacity in West Africa. FINDINGS While there has been some progress in obtaining foreign funding, foreign institutions still dominate local research. Local research funding opportunities in the 2 countries were found to be insufficient, disjointed, poorly sustained, and inadequately publicized, indicating weak infrastructure. As a result, research training programs produce graduates who ultimately fail to launch independent investigator careers because of lack of mentoring and poor infrastructural support. CONCLUSIONS Research funding and training opportunities in Ghana and Nigeria remain inadequate. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend systems-level changes in mentoring, collaboration, and funding to drive the global health research agenda in these countries. Additionally, research training programs should be evaluated not only by numbers of individuals graduated but also by numbers of independent investigators and grants funded. Through equitable collaborations, infrastructure, and mentoring, West Africa can match the rest of Africa in impactful global health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia A Sam-Agudu
- Institute of Human Virology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Paediatrics, University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - Elijah Paintsil
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, TN; Department of Preventive Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Awewura Kwara
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - Folasade Ogunsola
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Yaw A Afrane
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Chima Onoka
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Gladys Amponsah
- School of Anaesthesia, Ridge Regional Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Rachel Sturke
- Division of International Policy, Planning, and Evaluation and Center for Global Health Studies, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Anita Ghansah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Echezona E Ezeanolue
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV; College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
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Thomson DR, Semakula M, Hirschhorn LR, Murray M, Ndahindwa V, Manzi A, Mukabutera A, Karema C, Condo J, Hedt-Gauthier B. Applied statistical training to strengthen analysis and health research capacity in Rwanda. Health Res Policy Syst 2016; 14:73. [PMID: 27681517 PMCID: PMC5041513 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-016-0144-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To guide efficient investment of limited health resources in sub-Saharan Africa, local researchers need to be involved in, and guide, health system and policy research. While extensive survey and census data are available to health researchers and program officers in resource-limited countries, local involvement and leadership in research is limited due to inadequate experience, lack of dedicated research time and weak interagency connections, among other challenges. Many research-strengthening initiatives host prolonged fellowships out-of-country, yet their approaches have not been evaluated for effectiveness in involvement and development of local leadership in research. Methods We developed, implemented and evaluated a multi-month, deliverable-driven, survey analysis training based in Rwanda to strengthen skills of five local research leaders, 15 statisticians, and a PhD candidate. Research leaders applied with a specific research question relevant to country challenges and committed to leading an analysis to publication. Statisticians with prerequisite statistical training and experience with a statistical software applied to participate in class-based trainings and complete an assigned analysis. Both statisticians and research leaders were provided ongoing in-country mentoring for analysis and manuscript writing. Results Participants reported a high level of skill, knowledge and collaborator development from class-based trainings and out-of-class mentorship that were sustained 1 year later. Five of six manuscripts were authored by multi-institution teams and submitted to international peer-reviewed scientific journals, and three-quarters of the participants mentored others in survey data analysis or conducted an additional survey analysis in the year following the training. Conclusions Our model was effective in utilizing existing survey data and strengthening skills among full-time working professionals without disrupting ongoing work commitments and using few resources. Critical to our success were a transparent, robust application process and time limited training supplemented by ongoing, in-country mentoring toward manuscript deliverables that were led by Rwanda’s health research leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana R Thomson
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda. .,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America.
| | | | - Lisa R Hirschhorn
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America.,Ariadne Labs, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Megan Murray
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Vedaste Ndahindwa
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Anatole Manzi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.,Partners in Health-Rwanda, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | - Assumpta Mukabutera
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Corine Karema
- Ministry of Health, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali, Rwanda.,Quality and Equity Healthcare, Kigali, Rwanda.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jeanine Condo
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Bethany Hedt-Gauthier
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America.,Partners in Health-Rwanda, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
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Rabbani F, Shipton L, White F, Nuwayhid I, London L, Ghaffar A, Ha BTT, Tomson G, Rimal R, Islam A, Takian A, Wong S, Zaidi S, Khan K, Karmaliani R, Abbasi IN, Abbas F. Schools of public health in low and middle-income countries: an imperative investment for improving the health of populations? BMC Public Health 2016; 16:941. [PMID: 27604901 PMCID: PMC5015344 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3616-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health has multicultural origins. By the close of the nineteenth century, Schools of Public Health (SPHs) began to emerge in western countries in response to major contemporary public health challenges. The Flexner Report (1910) emphasized the centrality of preventive medicine, sanitation, and public health measures in health professional education. The Alma Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care (PHC) in 1978 was a critical milestone, especially for low and middle-income countries (LMICs), conceptualizing a close working relationship between PHC and public health measures. The Commission on Social Determinants of Health (2005-2008) strengthened the case for SPHs in LMICs as key stakeholders in efforts to reduce global health inequities. This scoping review groups text into public health challenges faced by LMICs and the role of SPHs in addressing these challenges. MAIN TEXT The challenges faced by LMICs include rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, unfair terms of global trade, limited capacity for equitable growth, mass displacements associated with conflicts and natural disasters, and universal health coverage. Poor governance and externally imposed donor policies and agendas, further strain the fragile health systems of LMICs faced with epidemiological transition. Moreover barriers to education and research imposed by limited resources, political and economic instability, and unbalanced partnerships additionally aggravate the crisis. To address these contextual challenges effectively, SPHs are offering broad based health professional education, conducting multidisciplinary population based research and fostering collaborative partnerships. SPHs are also looked upon as the key drivers to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). CONCLUSION SPHs in LMICs can contribute to overcoming several public health challenges being faced by LMICs, including achieving SDGs. Most importantly they can develop cadres of competent and well-motivated public health professionals: educators, practitioners and researchers who ask questions that address fundamental health determinants, seek solutions as agents of change within their mandates, provide specific services and serve as advocates for multilevel partnerships. Funding support, human resources, and agency are unfortunately often limited or curtailed in LMICs, and this requires constructive collaboration between LMICs and counterpart institutions from high income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauziah Rabbani
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Leah Shipton
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Franklin White
- Pacific Health & Development Sciences Inc., Victoria, Canada
| | - Iman Nuwayhid
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Leslie London
- Division Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Abdul Ghaffar
- Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bui Thi Thu Ha
- Hanoi School of Public Health, Giang Vo, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Göran Tomson
- Depts LIME & PHS, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rajiv Rimal
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, USA
| | - Anwar Islam
- School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Amirhossein Takian
- Department of Global Health & Sustainable Development, School of Public Health-Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samuel Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
| | - Shehla Zaidi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Kausar Khan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rozina Karmaliani
- School of Nursing & Midwifery and Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Imran Naeem Abbasi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Farhat Abbas
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Ezema IJ, Okafor VN. Open Access Institutional Repositories in Nigeria Academic Libraries: Advocacy and Issues in Scholarly Communication. LIBRARY COLLECTIONS, ACQUISITIONS, & TECHNICAL SERVICES 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/14649055.2016.1176842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ifeanyi J. Ezema
- Post-doctoral fellow, Department of Information Science, University of South Africa; Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
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Adedokun BO, Olopade CO, Olopade OI. Building local capacity for genomics research in Africa: recommendations from analysis of publications in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2004 to 2013. Glob Health Action 2016; 9:31026. [PMID: 27178644 PMCID: PMC4867048 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v9.31026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The poor genomics research capacity of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) could prevent maximal benefits from the applications of genomics in the practice of medicine and research. The objective of this study is to examine the author affiliations of genomic epidemiology publications in order to make recommendations for building local genomics research capacity in SSA. Design SSA genomic epidemiology articles published between 2004 and 2013 were extracted from the Human Genome Epidemiology (HuGE) database. Data on authorship details, country of population studied, and phenotype or disease were extracted. Factors associated with the first author, who has an SSA institution affiliation (AIAFA), were determined using a Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results The most commonly studied population was South Africa, accounting for 31.1%, followed by Ghana (10.6%) and Kenya (7.5%). About one-tenth of the papers were related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer (6.1%) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) (4.3%). Fewer than half of the first authors (46.9%) were affiliated with an African institution. Among the 238 articles with an African first author, over three-quarters (79.8%) belonged to a university or medical school, 16.8% were affiliated with a research institute, and 3.4% had affiliations with other institutions. Conclusions Significant disparities currently exist among SSA countries in genomics research capacity. South Africa has the highest genomics research output, which is reflected in the investments made in its genomics and biotechnology sector. These findings underscore the need to focus on developing local capacity, especially among those affiliated with SSA universities where there are more opportunities for teaching and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babatunde O Adedokun
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria;
| | - Christopher O Olopade
- Centre for Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Olufunmilayo I Olopade
- Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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50
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Ezema IJ, Onyancha OB. A Bibliometric Analysis of Health and Medical Journals: Issues in Medical Scholarly Communication in Africa. SERIALS REVIEW 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00987913.2016.1182881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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