With funding from Takeda’s Global CSR Program through the Global Fund, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) Emergency Obstetric Care and Quality of Care Unit hosted its 3rd and final Knowledge Management and Learning (KML) event of the “Quality Improvement of Integrated HIV, TB, and Malaria Services in Antenatal Care (ANC) and Postnatal Care (PNC) Programme in October 2024.
The KML event is a knowledge-sharing forum where programme implementers share best practices and knowledge from implementation to influence policy and practice in providing quality maternal and child health services in Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria.
The second KML panel took stock of programme efforts to strengthen institutional research and project management capacity, evaluating existing frameworks, identifying areas for improvement, and considering innovative approaches to inform future programming. Moderated by Dr Uzochukwu Egere from LSTM, the panel included PhD students, supervisors, and university administrators from Tanzania and Zanzibar. They shared insights on the programme's challenges and successes in strengthening institutional research and project management capacity and strategies for consideration in future implementation.
Reflections on Research and Project Capacity Strengthening
The panellists commended the programme for its comprehensive research and capacity-building approach, allowing participants to gain practical skills essential for high-quality research and strengthening of the health system. Dr Leonard Katalambula from the University of Dodoma reflected on the programme’s depth, saying, “For one project to sponsor three or four PhDs is remarkable. This approach ensures that graduates return with the skills to strengthen our healthcare systems,” emphasising that such investment in education is crucial for sustainability.
The programme’s flexibility was highlighted as a strength, with PhD candidate and University of Dodoma project team member Dr Maria Rweyemamu noting that it “allowed for innovation and adaptation, which has enhanced not just our research capabilities but also the implementation process.” Panellists agreed that the hands-on, participant-centred approach significantly impacted skill retention and practical application in the field.
Need for Continuous Capacity Building
Zainab Suleiman, a programme supported PhD student from the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), expressed gratitude for the programme's impact on her skills, saying, “I was once hesitant about qualitative research, but now I feel equipped and confident to undertake it, thanks to this training.” Zainab’s experience reflects the broader value of exposure to diverse research methodologies, which empowers researchers to tackle complex health challenges comprehensively.
While the programme achieved notable success in enhancing research capacity, there was consensus that continuous capacity building is necessary, particularly in data management and analysis. Dr Salma Abdi Mahmoud, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at SUZA, stated, “We need common training in data analysis to ensure we can handle and interpret data effectively.” This emphasis on data quality underscored the broader goal of producing actionable research that informs policy and practice.
Strengthening the Link between Research, Policy and Practice
An emerging point of discussion was the importance of connecting research with policy to drive impactful change. Dr Ali Ussi, Deputy Vice Chancellor at SUZA, stressed that “effective research is only as good as its ability to influence policy and improve health outcomes.” Panellists discussed the need for ongoing engagement with policymakers and the development of research that directly addresses national health priorities, which could enhance uptake by government stakeholders.
Addressing the gap between research findings and policy implementation, Dr Salma Mahmoud emphasised that researchers need to “translate findings into actionable insights, such as policy briefs and clear recommendations,” making it easier for policymakers to integrate research outcomes into practical applications. The panel noted that creating regular avenues for interaction between researchers and policymakers, such as policy forums, could help to foster a shared understanding and streamline the policy translation process.
Panel moderator Dr Egere echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for early and ongoing engagement with local health authorities to ensure that research aligns with pressing health challenges. “Developing relevant research questions with key stakeholders right from the start helps to bridge the gap between academic findings and tangible policy outcomes,” he emphasised.
Enhancing Future Programme Design
Panellists proposed several enhancements to future programming, including increased focus on community engagement, more flexible funding to cover all research-related expenses, and structured follow-up sessions for manuscript preparation. Dr Katalambula advocated for “capacity strengthening in managerial positions to sustain project benefits beyond implementation.” He stressed that building capacity within the regional/district health administration could ensure a lasting impact on healthcare delivery.
The issue of data transparency and quality was also central to discussions. In response to an audience question, Dr Issak Bashir, Directorate of Family Health, Ministry of Health, Kenya, supported the panellists in emphasising the importance of quality data, "Improving data collection is critical, even if it may temporarily appear to worsen statistics. Accurate data ultimately leads to better decision-making and policy.” This sentiment highlights the need for transparent data practices that build trust and provide a true reflection of healthcare needs and outcomes.
Key Takeaways
Bridging Research, Policy and Practice: Developing clear, actionable research objectives that align with national/regional health priorities and identifying pathways for engaging with policymakers early is essential for meaningful impact.
Flexibility in Implementation: Allowing room for innovation enhances project relevance and adaptability in real-world settings.
Ongoing Data Management Training: Ensuring staff are skilled in data handling can improve research accuracy and decision-making.
Increased Managerial Capacity: Building leadership capacity within health institutions, including government, strengthens project sustainability.
Transparent Data Practices: Clear, honest data practices can help align health outcomes with on-the-ground realities, guiding more impactful policies.
The panel concluded that sustained, targeted capacity building is essential for achieving long-term improvements in healthcare systems. By embedding flexible, comprehensive training and capacity-building initiatives into institutional frameworks and engaging local communities, programmes like LSTM’s Quality Improvement of Integrated HIV, TB, and Malaria Services in ANC and PNC can create meaningful, lasting change in research that informs policy and practice for healthcare delivery.