Analysis of public health research in WHO Western Pacific Region

Project Details

Supporting public health research is a core activity conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to inform policy decision-making, develop effective health interventions, and improve health outcomes.  As key public health challenges continue to evolve, it is crucial to ensure limited resources, including funding, time, and expertise, are allocated to areas with the greatest potential impact on improving population health outcome.

The Innovation and Research unit (INR) in the Western Pacific Regional Office of WHO (WPRO) is in the process of developing a new research agenda to support technical functions within WHO and Member States across the Region in conducting research activities and to keep the organization at the forefront of science and technology, incorporate breakthrough innovations, and apply the best tools and evidence to emerging priorities.

As a first step Nossal Institute has been commissioned to conduct a situational analysis to understand the outputs, capacities and constraints faced by Member States in conducting public health research.  The findings from the situational analysis will be used by the WPRO INR to establish an evidence-based structure and work plan for a new research function that is responsive to Member States’ needs and recommendations. A secondary aim may be that the findings can be used to inform advocacy for strengthened funding in certain countries and prioritization of specific topics.

Researchers

Christopher Bates

Sarah Simpson

Katherine Gilbert

Funding

This project is funded by the Western Pacific Regional Office of the WHO