Building a knowledge translation platform in Malawi to support evidence-informed health policy

• DOI: 10.1186/s12961-015-0061-4
• Publication Date: 2015-12-09T01:08:25Z
• Authors: Joshua Berman; Collins Mitambo; Beatrice Matanje-...; Shiraz Khan; Chiyembekezo Kach...; Emily Wroe; Lonia Mwape; Joep J. van Ooste...; Getrude Chindebvu; Vanessa van Schoor; Lisa M. Puchalski...; Ulysses Panisset; Damson Kathyola
• Keywords: Knowledge Translation; Health Services Research; Health administration; Healthcare Policy; Animal ecology

With the support of World Health Organization's Evidence-Informed Policy Network, knowledge translation platforms have been developed throughout Africa, Americas, Eastern Europe, and Asia to further evidence-informed national health policy. In this commentary, we discuss approaches, activities early lessons learned from development a Knowledge Translation Platform in Malawi (KTPMalawi). Through ongoing leadership, as well financial administrative support, Ministry has strongly signalled its intention utilize platform methodology A unique partnership between Dignitas International, medical research non-governmental organization, Health, established KTPMalawi engage national-level policymakers, researchers implementers coordinated approach generation utilization health-sector research. Utilizing tested by across stakeholder mapping exercise initial capacity building workshops were undertaken multidisciplinary Steering Committee was formed. This prioritized two Communities Practice (1) improve data pharmaceutical supply chain (2) screening treatment hypertension within HIV-infected populations. Each Community Practice's mandate is gather synthesize best available global local evidence produce briefs for policy that used primary input into structured deliberative dialogues. While lack sustained funding slowed development, greatly benefited extensive technical mentorship an existing network platforms. continued can continue build on role facilitating use refinement Malawi.