1. health insights
research findings for development
policymakers and practitioners
October 2009 issue 78
an IDS Knowledge Services publication
Getting
research
into policy
and practice
Experiences from sexual
and reproductive health,
HIV and AIDS
T
he true test of the effectiveness of
health and development research is study did not find a genital herpes treatment DJ at a local radio station, presenting a
whether people use it – for decision- drug, acyclovir, effective for preventing HIV. programme about HIV and AIDS, Guinea
making, influencing, referencing, or most The process of engaging with different Bissau. Giacomo Pirozzi, Panos Pictures, 2003
importantly, to bring about change. community groups throughout the trials
increased the understanding of health
Development actors are paying increasing research in communities where few people establishing a personal touch can be crucial.
attention to the question of how research, previously trusted biomedical research. Rose Oronje describes how the African
despite barriers, can fulfil its potential to Population and Health Research Center
improve policy and practice. At the national level, Eleanor Hutchinson holds regular meetings and lunches for
reveals how the same evidence on the journalists, communications experts and
Researchers and communications experts effectiveness of Cotrimoxazole resulted in researchers to build mutual understanding
are using innovative approaches to different kinds of uptake in Malawi and and stronger working relationships between
communicate their research but they do not Zambia. This was because of the different the media and academia.
often share their experiences and policy processes in each country and the
achievements. This issue of insights sets out different roles that individual ‘champions’ of Talking things through
to redress this, focusing on their experiences the policy and moments of opportunity can Sabina Rashid tells us how a BRAC
of working on sexual and reproductive play in promoting the use of research workshop on sexuality raised awareness
health, HIV and AIDS globally. The articles evidence. about the rights of homosexuals and
are all based on case studies presented transgendered people, marginalised in
during a meeting at the Liverpool School of Building partnerships Bangladeshi society and neglected by
Tropical Medicine, in the UK, in May 2009. Academics and research institutions will policymakers. The workshop provided a
have different attributes that can help them platform to highlight their experiences, needs
Politics influences how open decision-makers influence policy and practice. The challenge and rights, by bringing together diverse
are to using evidence-based research in is to identify opportunities and partnerships groups and creating a space for discussion,
formulating policy or making decisions. and use these to get people’s attention and and by associating the workshop with the
For example, in the field of sexual and persuade them that the research is important credibility and legitimacy that academics
reproductive health, social or religious for their work. hold among key stakeholders in Bangladesh.
attitudes and interest groups play a powerful
➔ p2
role in politics and can encourage decision- Johnny Gyapong describes how the
makers to ignore new research evidence. Research and Development Division, by Contents
The role of research in policy processes can being part of Ghana’s Ministry of Health,
also be hampered by weak capacity to can play a critical role in policy Editorial 1
assess and use research evidence or a lack development processes by participating in Investing in the future 2
of appreciation of how research can identify key fora. Others establish formal
Influencing legislative change 3
health problems and unmet needs, develop partnerships: Wambura Mwita and his
effective interventions, and improve the colleagues in Tanzania helped create a Building ownership of research 3
accessibility and targeting of services. Taskforce Committee and Technical Working Knowledge intermediaries 4
Group that brought policymakers, Scaling up male circumcision 5
Trial and error researchers, donors and non-government
Sexuality and rights 6
At the community level, Sinead Delany- organisations (NGOs) together to design
Moretlwe describes how some trials policy on male circumcision. Acting on the evidence 7
achieved a positive impact even though the Building relationships with individuals and Making headlines 8

2. Strategic partnerships, writes Nana Ole to this, which of course takes energy and with research-to-policy processes and to
Lithur, between researchers, legal activists resources – human and financial. The increase the funding available to take this
and parliamentarians have helped develop current economic crisis has increased work forward and further share experiences
and draw on different strengths to improve scrutiny of research impact as donors are of what works, what does not and why.
the law on gender-based violence in Ghana. under increasing pressure to justify their
Kate Hawkins discusses the diversity of spending. Rapid shifts in policy, such as the Jo Crichton and Sally Theobald
organisations seeking to influence policy US administration’s stance on sexual and
with research and the need to work with reproductive health, provide opportunities Sally Theobald
networks such as parliamentary committees and challenges that researchers and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine,
and civil society coalitions to harmonise communications experts need to address. Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
messages and communicate them through T +44 151 7053197
multiple channels. Changing attitudes sjt@liverpool.ac.uk
Ensuring that research findings impact on www.liv.ac.uk/lstm
The discussions at the Liverpool workshop policy and practice can be challenging and
showed that good influencing strategies are time-consuming. It requires careful See also
based on critical consideration of the consultation, negotiation and partnership Lessons Learned from Health Researchers
specific policy context, the characteristics building. Policy engagement is not just about and Communications Specialists at an
and purpose of a research project, and communicating results. It is about
International Meeting on Strengthening
whether the research issue is neglected, communicating and building partnerships at
the Research to Policy and Practice
contested or mainstreamed. Some all stages of the research process, during
Interface, Policy Briefing, by Olivia Tulloch,
researchers or communications staff are project design, fieldwork and analysis as
Jo Crichton, Sally Theobald and
using policy analysis methods when well as at the end.
Kate Hawkins, 2009 (PDF)
developing their research strategies or tools
http://tiny.cc/12t6A
for evaluating the impact of their research. It can also be about contributing to longer-
There may be a need to bring policy term social processes, such as changing Cross RPC Meeting on Strengthening the
analysis into the skills set of research and attitudes to sexual rights. This takes time and Research to Policy and Practice Interface:
communications teams. energy but is a necessary investment: the Exploring Strategies Used by Research
growing attention on the research-to-policy- Organisations Working on Sexual and
Donor pressure and-practice interface will continue to gather Reproductive Health, and HIV and AIDS,
The climate for policy processes and for momentum. There is a need to continue to Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK,
research projects is constantly changing and build the capacity of everyone involved – 18th to 19th May 2009
researchers and communicators need to individuals and communities, policymakers, http://tinyurl.com/yzh5sq5
continually adapt their strategies in response researchers, and intermediaries – to engage
Investing in the these tensions and go beyond their
traditional role.
policymakers, researchers and communities,
creating an enabling environment for future
partnerships.
future In South Africa, several important lessons
have been learnt about communicating the Sinead Delany-Moretlwe
Communicating HIV trial results of four HIV prevention trials which Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit,
evaluated the potential role of acyclovir Johannesburg National Office,
results in South Africa treatment in preventing HIV transmission. University of the Witwatersrand,
Acyclovir is a widely available antiviral drug PO 18512, Hillbrow 2038,
R
andomised controlled trials are that is used to suppress genital herpes and is South Africa
considered the gold standard for mainly taken in tablet form. T +27 11 3585300
evaluating the effectiveness of new sdelany@rhru.co.za
interventions. Communicating the results of These trials showed that treatment with www.rhru.co.za
these trials presents challenges for acyclovir did not prevent HIV acquisition or
researchers who need to work with transmission—results which were The Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit
stakeholders to prepare for potentially is a partner in the Programme for Research and
disappointing and which meant that no
positive outcomes, while at the same time Capacity Building in Sexual and Reproductive
change to policy would be required. Yet the
living with the knowledge that trials may Health and HIV in Developing Countries.
investments in building partnerships and
show no effect.
communicating these research results did
lead to some positive outcomes. See also
Donors are placing increasing emphasis on
the need to communicate research results to • Researchers demonstrated the importance
Effect of Aciclovir on HIV-1 Acquisition in
policymakers. In an ideal world, researchers of research for informing policy.
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Seropositive
conduct research to provide evidence to • Communities developed a greater
Women and Men Who Have Sex With
guide policy change. Once the research is understanding of the research process and
Men: A Randomised, Double-blind,
completed, there is an expectation that gained the confidence to handle multiple
Placebo-controlled Trial, The Lancet, 371:
policymakers will either accept the evidence outcomes.
2109-2119, by Connie Celum, et al,
or that informed advocates will use the • Stakeholders from government and
June 2008
evidence to lobby for policy change. There communities and researchers came
http://tinyurl.com/yj6bqct
may be challenges to this model. together to discuss the implications of
these results. Impact of Aciclovir on Genital and Plasma
In many low-and middle-income countries for • Important bodies, such as the National HIV-1 RNA in HSV-2/HIV-1 Co-infected
example, there may be mistrust of science, AIDS Council, were supported to Women: A Randomized Placebo-
shortage of skills in government to interpret anticipate these results and consider the controlled Trial in South Africa, AIDS,
research results, and a weak media which implications. 23(4): 461-469, by Sinead Delany, et al,
hampers debates. In these situations, February 2009
researchers are often required to mediate These processes built trust between
Page 2 www.eldis.org/insights

3. Influencing legislative change Parliamentarians acted on the research
findings and amended the Domestic
Policy change
does not
Violence Bill to include a provision that
for sexual violence survivors mandates health care providers to
always lead to
practical
provide free medical treatment to
in Ghana sexual abuse and domestic violence change
survivors, pending a complaint to the
A
s a human rights lawyer, at health care facilities, thereby police and the issuance of a report.
I was commissioned by a exposing them to the risk of HIV Sexual violence survivors can receive
research organisation, the infection. free medical treatment whether or not
INDEPTH Network, to work with a they have reported a sexual violence
We shared our findings widely with case to the police.
team to assess the laws and policies
governing sexual and reproductive parliamentarians, regional directors
of health, social services, the Policy change does not always lead
health (SRH) in Ghana.
Commission on Human Rights and to practical change: participants in
SRH rights and policy were not very Administrative Justice and traditional, regional workshops stated that fees
visible in policy and received little religious and women leaders, in the are still demanded by health
attention or prioritisation by capital Accra and in two regions. providers who are not aware of law
politicians or government officials. We also worked with the media changes. There is a need to work
Our assessment showed that sexual using statistics and compelling human with the Ghana Health Service to
abuse and domestic violence survivors stories to generate wider interest. ensure the law on free medical
could not afford the fee they were treatment is enforced.
required to pay for medical reports At the same time as our dissemination
and examinations. This meant that: activities, a Bill on Domestic Violence Nana Oye Lithur
• A large proportion of cases could was being considered in Parliament. Human rights lawyer, Ghana
not be completed and prosecuted. This provided an excellent opportunity nanaoyel@yahoo.co.uk
• Some health facilities refused to to influence parliamentarians. As www.indepth-network.org
treat survivors who had not been parliamentarians are busy people, we The INDEPTH Network is a partner in
referred to them by the police. researched their interests and chose the Realising Rights RPC.
• Survivors were unable to access the short focused presentations from
few post-traumatic stress services credible and well-known researchers See also
available at the police Domestic and legal advocates, and ensured we
Working With Parliamentarians on
Violence and Victim Support Unit. were available for follow-up. The
Sexual and Reproductive Health in
choice of message bearer was
critical. We made clear
Ghana, Realising Rights Case Study 2,
Furthermore, post-exposure
recommendations that could easily be July 2009 (PDF)
prophylaxis was not offered to those
followed by the Parliamentarians. http://tinyurl.com/l34w8r
survivors who did present themselves
working with OVCs and had ongoing
Building ownership of research interaction with users of research
findings to ensure that suitable formats
in Ghana for dissemination were being used.
The success of RDD’s approach points
T
he Research and Development Consortium on HIV and orphans and
vulnerable children (OVCs) with the to the value of collaboration and
Division (RDD) is the research dialogue with multiple stakeholders as
arm of the Ghana Health following aims:
• to tackle the lack of knowledge and a means of taking ownership of a
Service. Previously named the Health research process and making it more
Research Unit, the RDD was awareness of policy guidelines for
OVCs likely that research findings are
established over 20 years ago with relevant and used by different groups.
the aim of building research capacity • to better identify OVCs in
communities and consider changes The work on OVCs has led to a
within the Ghana Health Service to greater awareness of the existence of
conduct policy-relevant research. to how interventions are
implemented policy guidelines for OVCs in Ghana,
• to build awareness of organisations and has informed RDD’s decision to
By being situated within the Ghana use documentaries as an effective
Health Service, RDD has good and services provided for OVCs.
way to disseminate findings.
access, through meetings with senior
management and progress reports, to The research focus was agreed
Johnny Gyapong
different programme managers and following national and regional
Research and Development Division,
directors. They have used this to meetings that brought together key
Ghana Health Service, Private Mail
encourage collaboration with senior stakeholders including policymakers,
Bag, Ministries, Accra, Ghana
managers within the Ghana Health people living with HIV and AIDS, and
John.Gyapong@hru-ghs.org
Service throughout the cycle of orphanage managers. These
www.ghanahealthservice.org
research: from setting agendas to meetings took careful planning and
discussing policy relevance. skilled facilitation to manage and
The Research and Development
reach consensus between people with
Division is a partner in the Addressing
RDD have applied this approach to different views on research priorities.
the Balance of Burden in AIDS (ABBA)
research conducted within the RPC.
Addressing the Balance of Burden in RDD provided regular updates of
AIDS (ABBA) Research Programme preliminary research findings to those
www.eldis.org/insights Page 3

4. access to its extensive contacts lists
Knowledge intermediaries and networks.
Policy
processes are
Communicating sexual and reproductive This approach also has its challenges.
often ‘messy’
rather than
health research Translating research into products and
linear and
activities that are easily accessed by
understanding that policy processes well ordered
P
olicymakers in the UK policymakers is time intensive and
struggle to take up and use are often ‘messy’ rather than linear
working with networks is based upon
information on health in and well ordered. The use of
long-term relationship building. When
developing countries. Researchers intermediaries tries to ensure
you are working as part of a coalition
and the private and non-government Realising Rights’ messages reach
it can be difficult to assess the impact
sectors are engaged in ever more decision-makers through multiple
the research is having and whether
sophisticated marketing and routes or pathways.
any impact can be attributed to the
advocacy campaigns which can leave programme, and hence its donor.
policymakers overwhelmed. The complexity of the bargains,
Finally, using research in this way
compromises, advances, reversals,
creates questions about intellectual
The Realising Rights research second thoughts and changes that
property and who owns ideas.
consortium, funded by the UK constitute the policy process, coupled
Department for International with its inherently political nature,
Kate Hawkins
Development (DFID), is working to try make the monitoring of opportunities
Institute of Development Studies,
and ensure that its research is used in to influence a full-time job. Realising
University of Sussex, Brighton
policy and practice. Many of the Rights sought to work with
BN1 9RE, UK
topics that the programme focuses on intermediaries who map and
T +44 1273 915678
are neglected, contested or ignored. navigate the policy realm as part of
K.Hawkins@ids.ac.uk
their remit. Because research and
www.ids.ac.uk
The strategy policy cycles are rarely synchronised,
Using intermediaries to communicate Realising Rights placed its research
The Institute of Development Studies is
research is a strategy that has on online web platforms that would
a partner in the Realising Rights RPC.
received increased attention in recent outlive the project and help to secure
years. The media is a traditional a legacy – potentially prompting the See also
means of broadcasting research uptake of evidence in the future.
Knowledge to Policy: Making the
findings, acting as amplifiers or Most of Development Research,
multipliers of messages. In addition to What has been learnt?
Sage/IDRC, by Fred Carden, 2009
using the media, Realising Rights This approach has allowed Realising
www.idrc.ca/en/ev-135779-201-1-
targets parliamentary and civil Rights to:
DO_TOPIC.html
society networks and knowledge • influence agendas – such as
intermediaries in the UK to raising the profile of neglected From Muddling Through to Muddling
encourage research uptake. The main issues like congenital syphilis Up – Evidence Based Policy Making
intermediaries have been: amongst parliamentarians and the Modernisation of British
• the UK Network on Sexual and • frame messages and research in Government, Public Policy and
Reproductive Health ways that better suit target audiences Administration, 17(3): 43-60, by
• the All Party Parliamentary Group – health advocates have advised Wayne Parsons, 2002 Teenage girls
on Population, Development and Realising Rights of opportunities to http://ppa.sagepub.com/cgi/ reading 'Style &
Reproductive Health showcase its research content/abstract/17/3/43 Substance', a
• the Institute of Development Studies • communicate its research through magazine for
(IDS) Knowledge Services online and email products with a Using Intermediaries to
young Kenyan
• DFID’s Research for Development wider reach and coverage than is Communicate with DFID, PowerPoint
women, Kisumu.
portal. possible through Realising Rights’ Presentation, Liverpool, by Kate Hawkins,
Sven Torfinn,
own website – using IDS May 2009
Panos Pictures,
The approach is based on the Knowledge Services has provided http://tiny.cc/hbEWX
2004
Useful weblinks
Healthlink Worldwide, UK Research and Policy in Development,
www.healthlink.org.uk Overseas Development Institute, UK
www.odi.org.uk/programmes/rapid
Influencing Policy, Eldis Resource
Guide Research for Development:
www.eldis.org/go/topics/resource- Communications Corner, Department
guides/influencing-policy for International Development, UK
www.research4development.
Knowledge Services, Institute of info/communicationsCorner.asp
Development Studies, UK
www.ids.ac.uk/go/knowledge- Research Matters, International
services/our-services Development Research Centre,
Canada
Relay programme, Panos London, www.idrc.ca/research-matters
UK
www.panos.org.uk/relay
Page 4 www.eldis.org/insights

5. the active participation of
Scaling up male circumcision for policymakers, donors, advocacy
The
introduction
groups, researchers and
HIV prevention in Tanzania implementing partners. It was this
and scaling
up of
HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria for partnership that was crucial in setting
H
IV and AIDS remain the most circumcision
funding to roll out male into motion the drive to roll out
important public health circumcision services in Tanzania.
services
problems in Tanzania. circumcision services nationwide. requires
Promoting effective interventions that Wambura Mwita actions
prevent new infection and control the Tanzania’s National Institute for from several
Medical Research (NIMR) reviews, National Institute for Medical Research,
epidemic is a priority. Male PO Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania key stakeholder
circumcision is effective in preventing synthesises, and presents evidence to
ensure that decisions are based on T +255 28 2500399 groups
HIV in men. However, there have wmwita@yahoo.com
been some challenges in scaling up strong evidence. NIMR conducted
two sub-studies to assess the www.nimr.or.tz
circumcision services in Tanzania.
acceptability and feasibility of
carrying out safe circumcision The National Institute for Medical
To provide national leadership, Research is a partner in the Programme
coordination, resource mobilisation services in health facilities and to
explore the role of traditional for Research and Capacity Building in
and advocacy, the Tanzanian Sexual and Reproductive Health and
Ministry of Health, with support from circumcision service providers in the
national strategy. Findings from these HIV in Developing Countries.
World Health Organization (WHO),
formed two bodies (the Taskforce studies show:
Committee and Technical Working • There is a high level of acceptability
Group) to oversee the scaling up of in both traditional and non-
See also
circumcision services in the country. traditional circumcising populations.
• Traditional circumcisers play a key Randomized, Controlled
These bodies were formed through a Intervention Trial of Male
series of consultative and inclusive decision-making role in traditional
circumcising populations and Circumcision for Reduction of HIV
processes involving multiple partners. Infection Risk: The ANRS 1265
Members of the oversight bodies should have a role to play in the
national strategy. Trial, PLoS Medicine, 2(11):e298,
were selected on the basis of by Bertran Auvert, et al, 2005
experience in policy formulation, • Health systems need strengthening
for the effective delivery of http://tinyurl.com/qhsbug
implementation and advocacy issues,
and technical competence in circumcision services. Male Circumcision for HIV
circumcision issues. Prevention in Men in Rakai,
The presentation of NIMR’s findings Uganda: A Randomised Trial,
The two oversight bodies took the before the two oversight bodies has The Lancet, 369: 657-666,
following steps and decisions: led to the development of an by Ronald H. Gray, et al, 2007
• establishing national leadership to enabling policy, plan of action and http://tinyurl.com/ykydw9s
scale up circumcision services implementation strategy. However
several challenges remain, such as Male Circumcision for HIV
• designating a focal person at the Prevention in Young Men in Kisumu,
Ministry of Health to coordinate the integration of traditional and
clinical-based male circumcision, and Kenya: A Randomised Controlled
day-to-day work Trial, The Lancet, 369: 643-656,
• drafting circumcision guidelines for inherent limitations within the public
by Robert C. Bailey, et al, 2007
health practitioners and using these health system.
http://tinyurl.com/2z9trf
to train service providers
• preparing sites for the roll out of The introduction and scaling up of
circumcision services in Kagera, circumcision services requires actions
Iringa and Mbeya Regions from several key stakeholder groups. Research Programme
• applying to the Global Fund for The technical working group ensured Consortia
This edition of insights includes contributions from four
UK Department for International Development-funded
Research Programme Consortia.
Addressing the Balance of Burden in AIDS
www.abbarpc.org
Evidence for Action
www.evidence4action.org
Programme for Research and
Capacity Building in Sexual and
Reproductive Health and HIV in
Developing Countries
www.lshtm.ac.uk/dfid/aids
Realising Rights
www.realising-rights.org
A man in Tanzania listens to an HIV and AIDS radio programme as part of the
Strategic Radio Communication for Development project. Bob Msangi,
Photoshare, 2008
www.eldis.org/insights Page 5

6. Bringing sexuality and rights change and progress at individual,
work and community levels.
Policy
champions,
into the open in Bangladesh The activities have brought together
can link
research
people from diverse backgrounds,
including those who have been
findings to
invisible or silenced, and encouraged policy
them to meet, speak freely, and networks
critically reflect on sexuality and
rights issues in Bangladesh.
While this is an ongoing process in a
challenging environment, an initial
platform now exists upon which
marginalised groups can build and
grow. This emergence may produce
specific policy changes in
Bangladesh in the future.
Sabina Faiz Rashid
Centre for Gender Sexuality and
HIV/AIDS, James P. Grant School of
Public Health, BRAC University, 66
Members of the VAMP sex worker collective in India talk to the press after a Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
demonstration against proposed law reform to criminalise the purchase of T +88 2 8824051-4
sexual services. Copyright: Veshya Anyay Mukti Parishad, 2009 sabina@bracuniversity.ac.bd
www.bracuniversity.net/I&S/
sph/centres_initiatives/cgsha.htm
I
n Bangladesh there is an The Centre continued to work with and
environment of conservatism and a provide space for minority groups to
meet and discuss advocacy strategies BRAC is a partner in the Realising
culture of collective denial of the
and to develop their own influencing Rights RPC.
existence of same-sex sexualities,
agendas. The follow up meetings and
which stifles public debate. The lack
workshops in 2008 and 2009, as
of protection of sexual rights of See also
well as the unpublicised Sexual
homosexuals and transgendered
Diversity and Coalition Building Pushing Boundaries, Star Weekend
people results in harassment, silence,
workshop organised by gay rights Magazine, Special Feature, Vol 6,
shame and fear. This pushes the
activists in 2009, resulted in a strong Issue 31, August 10, by Srabonti
issues underground.
relationship of trust and confidence Narmeen Ali and Elita Karim, 2007
between sexual minority groups as www.thedailystar.net/magazine/
Since 2007, the Centre for Gender
well as the development of a database 2007/08/02/sfeature.htm
Sexuality and HIV/AIDS at BRAC
of key individuals and organisations.
University in Dhaka, has been working
to create a climate of open discussion
Three key groups were targeted by
on sexuality and rights and to put in
the Centre for initial training:
place mechanisms for monitoring
academics from outside Dhaka,
influence on policy and practice.
journalists and sexual minority What is insights?
groups. Academics outside Dhaka
The Centre organised a series of insights provides a thematic overview of recent
were encouraged to offer courses on
activities to create visibility. It hosted a policy-relevant research findings on international
local workshop in January 2007 with gender, sexuality and rights. Through
an award system and training development.
affected communities, interested
people and organisations to gauge sessions, journalists are now writing
more about sexuality, marginalised Funded by the UK Department for International
levels of interest in challenging the Development, insights is intended for policymakers
existing situation. In July 2007 the communities and transgender rights.
and practitioners worldwide, in particular those with
Centre hosted an international limited internet access.
conference on Gender, Sexuality and The Centre has received many
Rights, where over 150 health requests from activists, journalists,
researchers and minority groups for insights is published 6 times a year and is online at
professionals, academics, activists,
materials and resources. A striking www.eldis.org/insights. Readers may copy or quote
queer groups, students, journalists and
indicator of success in breaking some from any article providing the source (insights) and
NGO professionals discussed future
of the silence was the presence of the author are acknowledged and informed.
research, training and advocacy
ideas. With hindsight, it could be two members of a ‘women who love
argued that the Centre quickly women’ organisation at a Gender Subscribe to insights
initiated activities aimed at building a and Sexuality workshop hosted by Email insights@ids.ac.uk with your name and
platform for sexuality and rights, the Centre. postal address or write to:
without considering the possibility of a
backlash from conservative groups. Research on sexuality and rights by insights
Fortunately there was widespread the Centre in 2008 sought to Institute of Development Studies
positive media coverage of the understand local constructions of University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RE, UK
conference in Bangladesh and sexuality and rights and to inform T +44 1273 915777
encouraging responses from many workshops and advocacy efforts. F +44 1273 877335
different segments of society. Evaluation questionnaires monitored www.eldis.org/insights
Page 6 www.eldis.org/insights

7. Acting on the evidence • multiple conducive elements are
needed for an effective research-to-
Building
links between
policy model the research
T
he uptake of research findings (not physicians) who have less
freedom to choose their own clinical • the links between evidence and community and
into policy is often subject to
practice. As such, these health policy need to be crystal clear
contextual and political factors. policymaking
workers found it difficult to use the • key actors and mechanisms,
Research from the Evidence for Action
including established institutions
bodies has the
research programme illustrates the findings, without endorsement from potential to
national guidelines. and policy champions, can link
need to use policy analysis encourage
research findings to policy
frameworks to understand how uptake of
Researchers working in health networks with positive results.
research can play a role in policy findings
processes. programming (in government or in
NGOs) appear to have had a Eleanor Hutchinson, on behalf of the
particularly powerful impact on EfA Cotrimoxazole project group
Two research trials, showing the
policymaking by sitting in both Health Policy Unit, London School of
benefits of Cotrimoxazole
research and traditional Hygiene and Tropical Medicine,
prophylaxis in HIV-infected adults in
policymaking circles. This is an Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
Côte d’Ivoire in 2000, were rapidly
illustration of how building links T +44 207 927 2534
translated into provisional WHO and
between the research community and eleanor.hutchinson@lshtm.ac.uk
UNAIDS recommendations. In 2004,
policymaking bodies has the www.lshtm.ac.uk/hpu
evidence from a large longer-term
randomised paediatric trial in potential to encourage uptake of
findings. Established institutions or The London School of Hygiene and
Zambia endorsed these results
practices that bring research findings Tropical Medicine is a partner in the
despite high levels of bacterial
to policymakers is one such Evidence for Action RPC.
resistance to Cotrimoxazole in the
area. Paediatric guidance was approach, as is having key
updated by WHO, UNAIDS and individuals or ‘policy champions’
UNICEF, and detailed definitive working to promote change in the
guidelines were published in 2006 right circles. Researchers who also sit
by WHO. on NGO or government bodies may
See also
fit this role particularly well.
Although these international Bridging Research and Policy:
recommendations were widely The attention paid to antiretrovirals Context, Evidence and Links, ODI
available, at national levels, countries earlier in the decade may have Working Paper, 173, by Emma Crewe
with high burdens of HIV and AIDS overshadowed Cotrimoxazole. and John Young, September 2002
show different histories of the uptake However, in Zambia’s case, later (PDF)
and use of Cotrimoxazole revisions of national guidelines for www.odi.org.uk/resources/download/
prophylaxis. Uganda and Malawi, antiretroviral therapy provided a 151.pdf
for instance, incorporated window of opportunity to get Scaling-Up Cotrimoxazole
Cotrimoxazole into policy in 2005, Cotrimoxazole into official policy Peer educators
Prophylaxis in HIV-Exposed and HIV-
while Zambia did not until 2007, in 2007. discussing family
Infected Children in High HIV-
despite several trials having been planning and
Prevalence Countries, The Lancet
undertaken there. This study shows: AIDS prevention,
Infectious Diseases, 7(10): 686-693,
• the dangers of assuming that policy Uganda.
by Rony Zachariah, et al, 2007
Evidence for Action compared the will follow directly from research Giacomo Pirozzi,
http://tinyurl.com/mo8qa5
uptake of research findings in these findings Panos Pictures
three African countries, with in-depth
work done so far in Malawi and
Zambia. They found that a number of
contextual and political factors could
help explain the research-to-policy
process in each country. Using a
model developed by the Overseas
Development Institute’s Research and
Policy in Development (RAPID)
programme, the researchers
investigated the nature of the
evidence, the context in which policy
change was happening, and the key
links between influential actors.
Evidence needs to be interpreted
against the local context in which the
research was carried out. Yet to
ensure uptake into policy and
practice, findings need to be
conceptualised in terms of bringing
about policy change. In Zambia, for
instance, the findings were initially
conceptualised as a clinical matter.
Yet, service provision for HIV care is
increasingly done by clinical officers
www.eldis.org/insights Page 7

8. Making • creating opportunities for informal
interactions between journalists
headlines and researchers
• strengthening the capacity of
journalists and researchers to work
Working with the together to ensure research is
media to communicate communicated in an accessible
and accurate manner.
research
APHRC has held regional awards of
W
hile the mass media play excellence for African journalists to
a critical role in build interest and enthusiasm for
communicating information, reporting on research. The awards
it is often difficult to interest them in were thematic, raising journalists’
covering research. Many journalists awareness and knowledge about
argue that research is presented in underreported issues such as APHRC’s engagement with the media A journalist from
technical formats that are difficult to sexuality. APHRC has learnt that the has led to two-way learning and Citizen TV (a
understand and that researchers are awards need to be carefully designed engagement between journalists and leading national
sometimes elitist and or too to create the right incentives and researchers, enhanced capacity, TV station)
theoretical. Researchers, on the other provide support to journalists. Where confidence and motivation of interviews Alex
hand, can be wary about engaging budgets are limited, smaller cash researchers to engage with journalists
Ezeh (APHRC), in
with the media because they lack awards may still be valued for the and vice-versa, increased demand for
Korogocho, an
experience of working with them or prestige they offer but in other cases APHRC’s research and enhanced
media coverage. informal
fear their work will be misrepresented. only larger prizes may attract entries.
settlement in
Having larger numbers of winning
The African Population and Health Rose N. Oronje and Joanna Crichton Nairobi. Rose
categories may encourage more
Research Center (APHRC) has used journalists to apply. The awards led to African Population and Health Oronje, 2007
innovative strategies to encourage increased quantity and coverage of Research Center (APHRC), Shelter
African media to cover its research reporting on APHRC research. Afrique Centre, Longonot Road,
on health, including: Upper Hill, PO Box 10787-00100
• enhancing media interest in and Collaborating with professional media GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
motivation for reporting on research associations and networks or building T +254 20 2720400
relationships with individual roronje@aphrc.org
journalists are both effective ways of www.aphrc.org
What has APHRC learnt?
engaging with journalists. Holding
• Effective strategies vary according regular informal meetings between APHRC is a partner in the Realising
to the characteristics of the media journalists and researchers can help Rights RPC.
in different countries. build good working relationships, for
• For awards of excellence in example by organising lunch
discussions, informal talks and visits to See also
journalism, ask your target
journalists what kind of awards and research sites. APHRC was able to Engaging Media in Communicating
incentives would appeal to them. increase journalists’ motivation by Research on Sexual and
Include support for journalists, such holding briefing sessions before large Reproductive Health and Rights in
as information packs. research dissemination meetings and sub-Saharan Africa: Experiences
producing media packs that break and Lessons Learned, Interview with
• Build respect and trust between down technical issues in an accessible Rose Oronje, African Population and
journalists and researchers by way. Helping them to identify people
creating opportunities for informal Health Research Centre, Kenya
to interview or ways to access further www.youtube.com/watch?v=
regular interaction and mutual resources can also be useful.
skills building. LWt_iG6SNrg
• Building the capacity of journalists For APHRC, building capacity to Engaging Media in Communicating
and researchers to work together report on research works both ways. Research on Sexual and
can lead to greater appreciation Journalists need training and Reproductive Health and Rights in
of each other’s role and increased awareness-raising events whilst sub-Saharan Africa: Experiences
interest in getting research into the researchers need training in media and Lessons Learned, Using
media. skills. And journalists and researchers Intermediaries to Communicate with
• Journalist associations can be can help train each other, for DFID, PowerPoint Presentation, by Rose
effective platforms for reaching example by speaking at training Oronje, et al, Liverpool, May, 2009
journalists. workshops or facilitating sessions. http://tinyurl.com/yhkdqo3
Keywords: Evidence-based, HIV and AIDS, intermediaries, influencing, policy change, research communication, research to policy and practice, sexual and reproductive health
id21 editor: Tom Barker Funded by the UK Department for International
Editorial and technical support: id21 team Development. The views expressed in this
Design: Michael Munday publication do not necessarily reflect those of
Printer: Synergygroup.uk.com DFID, IDS or any other contributing institution.
insights IDS is a Charitable Company No.877338
Institute of Development Studies limited by guarantee and registered in England.
University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RE, UK © Institute of Development Studies 2009
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ISSN 1460-4205
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www.eldis.org/insights
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