Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
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To describe human capacity and staff movement in national health research institutions in 42 sub-Saharan African countries. ⋯ The study revealed significant gaps in the area of human capacity development for research in Africa. The results showed a serious shortage of qualified staff engaged in health research, with a dearth of staff that held at least a master's degree or doctoral degree. Major efforts will be required to strengthen human resource capacity, including addressing the lack of motivation or time for research on the part of existing capable staff.
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To describe in detail the methods followed in each of the qualitative and quantitative surveys of national health information, research and knowledge systems and research institutions. ⋯ The logistics and resources involved in surveying the knowledge landscape in the 42 countries were substantial. However, the investment was worthwhile as the results of the surveys can be used to inform policy-making and decision-making, as well as to establish a regional database of national health information, research and knowledge systems.
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To describe the current status of institutional facilities and the supporting research infrastructure of surveyed health research institutions in Africa, including information on communication technologies and connectivity, library resources, and laboratory operations and resources. ⋯ Health research institutions in the Region have insufficient access to essential facilities such as laboratories, libraries, computers and the Internet to generate, access and share information.
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To describe and analyse research output from surveyed national health research institutions in Africa. ⋯ The research output of health research institutions in the Region is significant, but more effort is needed to strengthen research capacity, including human and financial resources.
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To describe the mechanisms and systems of knowledge acquisition, creation, diffusion, application and improvement of knowledge in two layers of the health system: health policy formulation and the provision of clinical services. ⋯ As systematic reviews are rarely utilised as a source of evidence in policy development and few mechanisms exist to assess the performance of the policies, there are significant opportunities for improving policy development.