From local to global: a qualitative review of the multi-leveled impact of a multi-country health research capacity development partnership on maternal health in Sudan
posted on 2016-08-16, 16:06authored byKhalifa ElmusharafKhalifa Elmusharaf, Hanan Tahir, Diarmuid O'Donovan, Ruairi Brugha, Mamoun Homeida, Amal M.O. Abbas, Elaine Bryne
Background: There is a substantial body of literature on the principles of good partnerships and the rationale for
such partnerships in research capacity strengthening. This paper illustrates the long term effects of a multi-country
(8 countries) global partnership for health systems research capacity development (Connecting health Research in
Africa and Ireland Consortium - ChRAIC) in relation to its contribution to capacity strengthening, public advocacy
and policy influence at different levels and its practical achievements in Sudan in addressing access to maternal
health services.
Methods: The authors (all members of the global partnership) reflect on the project in one of its’ partner countries,
Sudan, over its’ five year duration. This reflection is supported by specific project data collected over the period
of the project (2008–2014). The data collected included: (i) 6 monthly and annual donor reports; (ii) a mid-term
internal and end of project independent evaluation of the entire project, and; (ii) a Ph.D study conducted by a
member of the Sudanese research team.
Results: The ChRAIC project in Sudan achieved the deliverables set out at the beginning of the project. These
included a national knowledge synthesis report on Sudan’s health system; identification of country level health
systems research priorities; research capacity assessment and skills training, and; the training and graduation of a
Sudanese team member with a Ph.D. Mechanisms established in Sudan to facilitate these achievements included
the adoption of culturally sensitive and locally specific research and capacity strengthening methods at district level;
the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at country level between the Ministry of Health, research and
academic institutions in Sudan, and; the establishment of country level initiatives and a research unit. The latter
being recognized globally through awards and membership in global health forums.
Conclusion: We surmise that the ‘network of action’ approach adopted to partnership formation facilitated the
benefits gained, but that adopting such an approach is not sufficient. More local and contextual factors influenced
the extent of the benefits and the sustainability of the network.
History
Publication
Globalization and Health;12:20
Publisher
BioMed Central
Note
peer-reviewed
Other Funding information
Programme of Strategic Cooperation between Irish Aid and Higher Education and Research Institutes (2007–2011)