Centre for Evidence Synthesis in Global Health
Centre for Evidence Synthesis in Global Health
The Centre for Evidence Synthesis in Global Health (CESGH) is a global leader in evidence synthesis methodology and application.
We pioneer rigorous approaches to systematically review and synthesise research evidence, directly informing health policies and guidelines that save lives worldwide.
In an era of information overload, health decision-makers face the challenge of navigating vast amounts of research to identify what works, for whom, and in which contexts. Poor-quality evidence synthesis can lead to ineffective policies, wasted resources, and missed opportunities to save lives. By systematically reviewing all available evidence using robust methodologies, we ensure health decisions are grounded in the highest quality evidence.
As a WHO Collaborating Centre for Evidence in Global Health and home to the renowned Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group, we bridge the gap between research discoveries and real-world health solutions, particularly in resource-constrained settings where evidence-informed decisions are most critical.
Our research focus & approaches
We lead global evidence synthesis for infectious and tropical diseases
As the home of the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group, we coordinate over 600 authors across 52 countries to produce systematic reviews that inform WHO guidelines and national health policies. Our work focuses on malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, neglected tropical diseases, and other infectious diseases that disproportionately affect the majority world.
We innovate evidence synthesis methodologies
CESGH pioneered many of the methods now standard in evidence synthesis. We develop new approaches for assessing complex interventions, diagnostic test accuracy, and qualitative evidence. Our methodological innovations ensure evidence synthesis keeps pace with evolving research landscapes and addresses the unique challenges of global health evidence.
We help translate evidence into policy and practice
Our work directly informs WHO guidelines, national health policies, and clinical practice worldwide. We collaborate closely with policymakers, programme managers, and clinicians to ensure our evidence syntheses address their priority questions and are presented in formats that support decision-making.
Our impact
We have shaped global health policy for over 25 years
Since helping establish Cochrane in the 1990s, CESGH has produced evidence that has transformed global health. Our reviews provided evidence that led to the introduction of insecticide-treated bed nets and underpinned the rollout of artemisinin-based combination treatments. We prepared specially commissioned Cochrane reviews that formed the evidence base for WHO’s 2019 guidelines for malaria vector control.
We led the READ-It initiative: delivering evidence for policy
With our work on the Research, Evidence, and Development Initiative (READ-It) from 2018 to 2024, we identified priority topics, assembled multidisciplinary review teams, and produced high-quality systematic reviews to inform UK aid policies and health-related Sustainable Development Goals. READ-It built on our previous Effective Health Care Research Consortium work from 2009 to 2018, creating a sustained 15-year programme of evidence synthesis for global development.
We are building global capacity in evidence synthesis
Through our WHO Collaborating Centre status and international networks, we have trained hundreds of researchers in evidence synthesis methods. Our capacity building programmes span sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and beyond, ensuring local researchers can contribute to and use evidence synthesis to improve health in their communities.
