National Health Research Agenda 2012-2016
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Date
2012-01-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ministry of Health
Abstract
The Government of the Republic of Malawi (GoM) subscribes and reaffirms its
commitment to the philosophy and ideals of the internationally agreed development
goals that include the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). At a national level,
Malawi has her own national development strategy called the Malawi Growth and
Development Strategy II (MGDS II) that covers the period from 2011 to 2016. The
MGDS II is, in essence, a conduit through which GoM advocates her commitment
towards achieving the MDGs. While the MDGs 4, 5 and 6 directly relate to human
health that require national governments to make efforts in realizing them, the MGDS II
has equally isolated health sector as one of the key social development sub-theme
requiring the attention of the Government. As an area of focus within the MGDS II, the
health sub-theme (comprising of Public Health, Sanitation, Malaria, and HIV and AIDS
Management) was recognized and espoused as one of the nine key priority areas.
In contributing to the achievement of the health related goals of the MDGs and MGDS
II, Malawi through the Ministry of Health, developed the Health Sector Strategic Plan
(HSSP) covering the same period as the MGDS II. The success of the HSSP in
achieving better health service delivery depends on careful evidence-based policy and
decision making. Health research provides evidence based policy and decision making.
It is acknowledged world over that research requires enormous amount of resources
which are often limited. When operating in an environment of limited resources, it
becomes prudent to set priorities on which concerted effort could be targeted. The GoM
with support from its partners has, therefore, developed this National Health Research
Agenda, as a policy document, that directs priorities in health research covering the
period from 2012 to 2016 to be implemented in tandem with the MGDS II and HSSP.
While the Government of Malawi appreciates the diversity of needs and interests of
different stakeholders in health research, stakeholders are called upon to ensure that
research in Malawi is addressing the research priorities that have been outlined in this
document during the period of its implementation. It is, therefore, expected that
stakeholders will take deliberate steps to conduct and support research in the identified
priorities. The Government of Malawi will endeavor to channel resources to support
research in these priorities. A special appeal is being made to all co-operating partners,
both national and international, to support the undertaking of research in the identified
areas.