Join HIFA Thematic Discussion On Evidence-Informed Policy and Practice

Health research globally has increased exponentially in the last few decades. Improved health systems that increase access to care are dependent on the successful translation of this research evidence into policy and practice. However, bridging the gap between researchers, policy-makers and health workers who implement the policies into practise is challenging, especially in low- and middle-income countries. 

Healthcare Information For All (HIFA) is launching the first of three discussions, Evidence-informed country-level policy-making, on 22 February 2016. This will explore drivers and barriers to the uptake of evidence into policy and practice, what has worked and what has not worked in different contexts, and how these challenges could be better addressed in the future (e.g. capacity building, access initiatives, raising awareness of key information sources). Future discussions will explore challenges of policymaking and implementation around specific health issues (please contact us if you would like to propose a specific issue).

The discussion will take place on the main HIFA forum (English) and, in parallel, on CHIFA (child health and rights), HIFA-French, and HIFA-Zambia. The discussion will continue to the end of March 2016, when the content will be summarized and made widely available.

Questions for discussion

1. What is evidence-informed policy making? Why do countries need it?
2. How are health policies currently made in different countries? In your country?
3. What are the key challenges for policymakers?
4. What mechanisms are in place to support policy making in your country? Which organizations provide support globally and nationally?
5. What needs to be done at global and country level to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking?

We are especially keen to share and learn from the practical experience of policymakers, researchers and knowledge brokers, including case studies from different countries.

We invite everyone who cares about health to join HIFA, share your experience, and learn from others in this free global forum. 

This announcement is from (HIFA2015) Health information for all 2015 you can get in touch with the coordinator Dr Neil Pakenham-Walsh, HIFA Coordinator: neil@hifa.org . Read more about the discussion here