Health research: agenda for the WHO African Region: report of the Regional Director

Abstract

1. Health research is important for health development. This document briefly describes the major issues of health research in the African Region. Based on the recommendations of the Abuja and Accra high-level ministerial meetings, it proposes what needs to be done, and the way forward. 2. Countries should allocate at least 2% of national health expenditures and at least 5% of project and programme aid for research and research capacity building; invest more on research aimed at improving the health system; and ensure a strong national health research system based on an enabling environment for research. 3. WHO and partners will support Member States to build national health research systems; develop capacity to conduct health research; identify health research priorities; evaluate research results; translate knowledge to solve health-related problems by using evidence to inform policy.