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Peters AC, Larsson DGJ, Laxminarayan R, Munthe C. Barriers and pathways to environmental surveillance of antibiotic resistance in middle- and low-income settings: a qualitative exploratory key expert study. Glob Health Action 2024; 17:2343318. [PMID: 38813982 PMCID: PMC11141306 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2024.2343318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local and global surveillance of antibiotic resistance (ABR) has proven a challenge to implement effectively in low- and middleincome (LMI) settings. Environmental surveillance solutions are increasingly highlighted as a strategy to help overcome such problems, and thus to promote global health as well as the local management of ABR in LMI countries. While technical and scientific aspects of such solutions are being probed continuously, no study has investigated their practical feasibility. OBJECTIVE Explore practical barriers for environmental surveillance of ABR in LMI countries, and pathways for surveillance experts to manage these. METHODS To start charting this unknown territory, we conducted an explorative, qualitative interview study with key informants, applying a constructivist grounded theory approach to analyze the results. RESULTS Barriers were identified across infrastructural, institutional and social dimensions, and pathways to manage them were mostly counterproductive from an ABR management perspective, including avoiding entire regions, applying substandard methods and failing to include local collaborators. CONCLUSION The research community as well as international agencies, organizations and states have key roles and responsibilities for improving the prospects of feasible environmental ABR surveillance in LMI-settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Christin Peters
- Department of Philosophy, Linguistics and Theory of Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg (CARe), Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - D. G. Joakim Larsson
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg (CARe), Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ramanan Laxminarayan
- One Health Trust, Washington, DC, USA
- One Health Trust, Bangalore, India
- High Meadows Environmental Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Christian Munthe
- Department of Philosophy, Linguistics and Theory of Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg (CARe), Gothenburg, Sweden
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Turner RR, Hart J, Carr N, Bull E, Fraser J, Byrne-Davis L. Interview study exploring how global health partnership principles are enacted and recommendations for practice. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e076475. [PMID: 38862224 PMCID: PMC11168132 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective global health partnerships can strengthen and improve health and healthcare systems across the world; however, establishing and maintaining effective partnerships can be challenging. Principles of Partnerships have been developed to improve the quality and effectiveness of health partnerships. It is unclear how principles are enacted in practice, and current research has not always included the voices of low-income and middle-income country partners. This study aimed to explore how The Tropical Health and Education Trust's nine Principles of Partnership are enacted in practice, from the points of view of partners from low-income, middle-income and high-income countries, to help improve partnerships' quality and sustainability. METHODS People who had been a part of previous and/or ongoing health partnerships were interviewed virtually. Participants were purposefully sampled and interviews were conducted using an appreciative inquiry approach. Audio recordings were transcribed and deductive framework analysis was conducted. RESULTS 13 participants from 8 partnerships were interviewed. Six participants were based in the low-income or middle-income countries and seven in the UK. Key findings identified strategies that enacted 'successful' and 'effective' partnerships within the Principles of Partnerships. These included practical techniques such as hiring a project manager, managing expectations and openly sharing information about the team's expertise and aspirations. Other strategies included the importance of consulting behavioural science to ensure the partnerships consider longevity and sustainability of the partnership. DISCUSSION Core principles to effective partnerships do not work in isolation of each other; they are intertwined and are complimentary to support equitable partnerships. Good communication and relationships built on trust which allow all partners to contribute equally throughout the project are core foundations for sustainable partnerships. Recommendations for established and future partnerships include embedding behavioural scientists/psychologists to support change to improve the quality and sustainability of health partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rose Turner
- Health Workforce Group, Division of Medical Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jo Hart
- Health Workforce Group, Division of Medical Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Natalie Carr
- Health Workforce Group, Division of Medical Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Eleanor Bull
- Health Workforce Group, Division of Medical Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jessica Fraser
- Health Workforce Group, Division of Medical Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET), London, UK
| | - Lucie Byrne-Davis
- Health Workforce Group, Division of Medical Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Karuga R, Steege R, Chowdhury S, Squire B, Theobald S, Otiso L. A multi-step analysis and co-produced principles to support equitable partnership with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, 125 years on. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002091. [PMID: 38820344 PMCID: PMC11142479 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Transboundary health partnerships are shaped by global inequities. Perspectives from the "global South" are critical to understand and redress power asymmetries in research partnerships yet are not often included in current guidelines. We undertook research with partners working with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) to inform LSTM's equitable partnership strategy and co-develop principles for equitable partnerships as an entry point towards broader transformative action on research partnerships. We applied mixed-methods and participatory approaches. An online survey (n = 21) was conducted with LSTM's transboundary partners on fairness of opportunity, fair process, and fair sharing of benefits, triangulated with key informant interviews (n = 12). Qualitative narratives were analysed using the thematic framework approach. Findings were presented in a participatory workshop (n = 11) with partners to co-develop principles, which were refined and checked with stakeholders. Early inclusion emerged as fundamental to equitable partnerships, reflected in principle one: all partners to input into research design, agenda-setting and outputs to reflect priorities. Transparency is highlighted in principle two to guide all stages including agenda-setting, budgeting, data ownership and authorship. Principle three underscores the importance of contextually embedded knowledge for relevant and impactful research. Multi-directional capacity strengthening across all cadres is highlighted in principle four. Principle five includes LSTM leveraging their position for strategic and deliberate promotion of transboundary partners in international forums. A multi-centric model of partnership with no centralised power is promoted in principle six. Finally, principle seven emphasises commitment to the principles and Global Code of Conduct values: Fairness, Respect, Care, Honesty. The co-developed principles are part of ongoing reflections and dialogue to improve and undo harmful power structures that perpetuate coloniality within global health. While this process was conducted with LSTM-Liverpool's existing partners, the principles to strengthen equity are applicable to other institutions engaged in transboundary research partnerships and relevant for funders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robinson Karuga
- Department of Research and Strategic Information, LVCT Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rosie Steege
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Shahreen Chowdhury
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bertie Squire
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sally Theobald
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lilian Otiso
- Department of Research and Strategic Information, LVCT Health, Nairobi, Kenya
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Krakauer KN, Wong LY, Tobias J, Majekodunmi O, Balumuka D, Bravo K, Ameh E, Finlayson S, Nwomeh B, Sifri Z, Charles A, Krishnaswami S. Evaluating Global Surgery Partnerships From Low and Middle Income Country Perspectives. J Surg Res 2024; 296:681-688. [PMID: 38364695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known about perceptions of low-income and middle-income country (LMIC) partners regarding global surgery collaborations with high-income countries (HICs). METHODS A survey was distributed to surgeons from LMICs to assess the nature and perception of collaborations, funding, benefits, communication, and the effects of COVID-19 on partnerships. RESULTS We received 19 responses from LMIC representatives in 12 countries on three continents. The majority (83%) had participated in collaborations within the past 5 y with 39% of collaborations were facilitated virtually. Clinical and educational partnerships (39% each) were ranked most important by respondents. Sustainability of the partnership was most successfully achieved in domains of education/training (78%) and research (61%). The majority (77%) of respondents reported expressing their needs before HIC team arrival. However, 54% of respondents were the ones to initiate the conversation and only 47% said HIC partners understood the overall environment well at arrival to LMIC. Almost all participants (95%) felt a formal process of collaboration and a structured partnership would benefit all parties in assessing needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 87% of participants reported continued collaborations; however, 44% of partners felt that relationships were weaker, 31% felt relationships were stronger, and 25% felt they were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides a snapshot of LMIC surgeons' perspectives on collaboration in global surgery. Independent of location, LMIC partners cite inadequate structure for long-term collaborations. We propose a formal pathway and initiation process to assess resources and needs at the outset of a partnership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsi N Krakauer
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health And Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Lye-Yeng Wong
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health And Science University, Portland, Oregon.
| | - Joseph Tobias
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health And Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Olubunmi Majekodunmi
- Department of Surgery, National Hospital Abuja, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | - Darius Balumuka
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health And Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kali Bravo
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health And Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Emmanuel Ameh
- Department of Surgery, National Hospital Abuja, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | | | - Benedict Nwomeh
- Department of Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ziad Sifri
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Anthony Charles
- Department of Surgery, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sanjay Krishnaswami
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health And Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Chikwari CD, Tadesse AW, Shanaube K, Shepherd A, McQuaid CF, Togun TO. Achieving equitable leadership in Global Health partnerships: barriers experienced and strategies to improve grant funding for early- and mid-career researchers. BMC GLOBAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 2:17. [PMID: 38737620 PMCID: PMC11078704 DOI: 10.1186/s44263-024-00047-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Calls to decolonize global health have highlighted the continued existence of colonial structures in research into diseases of public health importance particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A key step towards restructuring the system and shaping it to local needs is equitable leadership in global health partnerships. This requires ensuring that researchers in LMICs are given the opportunity to successfully secure grant funding to lead and drive their own research based on locally defined priorities. In February 2022, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine hosted a workshop aimed at bringing together funders and early- and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) to identify funder initiatives that have worked to improve equitable leadership, to better understand barriers faced by researchers, and collectively brainstorm approaches to overcome these barriers. The workshop transcript was analyzed using a deductive thematic approach based on the workshop topic to identify key emerging themes. Barriers identified were the lack of individual and institutional level support and flawed funding structures for EMCRs in LMIC settings. Strategies on how equitable leadership can be further facilitated include institutional reforms for funders to facilitate equity, diversity, and inclusion in their partners through consultative engagement and in addition, reshaping how research priorities are defined; diversified funding streams for research organizations, building partnerships and dedicated funding for capacity building of EMCRs. Intentional advances to overcome funding barriers in global health speak directly to its decolonization. Urgently required and complex changes in practice must be intentional and do require uncomfortable shifts which will take time. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s44263-024-00047-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chido Dziva Chikwari
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Amare Worku Tadesse
- TB Centre, and Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Anna Shepherd
- TB Centre, and Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Christopher Finn McQuaid
- TB Centre, and Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Toyin O. Togun
- TB Centre and Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Atlantic Boulevard, Banjul, The Gambia
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Bhatia MB, Anderson CM, Hussein AN, Opondo B, Aruwa N, Okumu O, Fisher SG, Joplin TS, Hunter-Squires JL, Gray BW, Saula PW. Bilateral Exchange: Enteral Nutrition Clinical Decision Making in Pediatric Surgery Patients. J Surg Res 2024; 295:139-147. [PMID: 38007861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence-based medicine guides clinical decision-making; however, promoting enteral nutrition has historically followed a dogmatic approach in which patients graduate from clear liquids to full liquids to a regular diet after return of bowel function. Enhanced recovery after surgery has demonstrated that early enteral nutrition initiation is associated with shorter hospital stays. We aimed to understand postoperative pediatric nutrition practices in Kenya and the United States. METHODS We completed a prospective observational study of pediatric surgery fellows during clinical rounds in a pediatric referral center in Kenya (S4A) and one in the United States (Riley). Fellow-patient interactions were observed from postoperative day one to discharge or postoperative day 30, whichever happened first. Patient demographic, operative information, and daily observations including nutritional status were collected via REDCap. RESULTS We included 75 patients with 41 (54.7%) from Kenya; patients in Kenya were younger with 40% of patients in Kenya presenting as neonates. Median time to initiation and full enteral nutrition was shorter for the patients at Riley when compared to their counterparts at S4A. In the neonatal subgroup, patients at S4A initiated enteral nutrition sooner, but their hospital length of stays were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS Studying current nutrition practices may guide early enteral nutrition protocols. Implementing these protocols, particularly in a setting where enteral nutrition alternatives are minimal, may provide evidence of success and overrule dogmatic nutrition advancement. Studying implementation of these protocols in resource-constrained areas, where patient length of stay is often related to socioeconomic factors, may identify additional benefits to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha B Bhatia
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| | | | | | - Brian Opondo
- Department of Surgery, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Nereah Aruwa
- Department of Surgery, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Otieno Okumu
- Department of Surgery, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Sarah G Fisher
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Tasha Sparks Joplin
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - JoAnna L Hunter-Squires
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Anaesthesia and Surgery, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Brian W Gray
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Peter W Saula
- Department of Anaesthesia and Surgery, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Paediatric Surgery, Shoe4Africa Children's Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
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Lebu S, Musoka L, Graham JP. Reflective questioning to guide socially just global health reform: a narrative review and expert elicitation. Int J Equity Health 2024; 23:3. [PMID: 38183120 PMCID: PMC10770991 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-02083-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent research has highlighted the impacts of colonialism and racism in global health, yet few studies have presented concrete steps toward addressing the problems. We conducted a narrative review to identify published evidence that documented guiding frameworks for enhancing equity and inclusion in global health research and practice (GHRP). Based on this narrative review, we developed a questionnaire with a series of reflection questions related on commonly reported challenges related to diversity, inclusion, equity, and power imbalances. To reach consensus on a set of priority questions relevant to each theme, the questionnaire was sent to a sample of 18 global health experts virtually and two rounds of iterations were conducted. Results identified eight thematic areas and 19 reflective questions that can assist global health researchers and practitioners striving to implement socially just global health reforms. Key elements identified for improving GHRP include: (1) aiming to understand the historical context and power dynamics within the areas touched by the program; (2) promoting and mobilizing local stakeholders and leadership and ensuring measures for their participation in decision-making; (3) ensuring that knowledge products are co-produced and more equitably accessible; (4) establishing a more holistic feedback and accountability system to understand needed reforms based on local perspectives; and (5) applying systems thinking to addressing challenges and encouraging approaches that can be sustained long-term. GHRP professionals should reflect more deeply on how their goals align with those of their in-country collaborators. The consistent application of reflective processes has the potential to shift GHRP towards increased equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lebu
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, 2121, Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA.
- University of North Carolina, Gillings School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Lena Musoka
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, 2121, Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
- Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jay P Graham
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, 2121, Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
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Aryal A, Garcia FB, Scheitler AJ, Faraon EJA, Moncatar TJRT, Saniel OP, Lorenzo FME, Rosadia RAF, Shimkhada R, Macinko J, Ponce NA. Evolving academic and research partnerships in global health: a capacity-building partnership to assess primary healthcare in the Philippines. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2216069. [PMID: 37249029 PMCID: PMC10231040 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2216069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Building fair, equitable, and beneficial partnerships between institutions collaborating in research in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and high-income countries (HIC) has become an integral part of research capacity building in global health in recent years. In this paper, we offer an example of an academic collaboration between the University of California Los Angeles, Center for Health Policy and Research (UCLA CHPR) and the University of Philippines, Manila, College of Public Health (UPM CPH) that sought to build an equitable partnership between research institutions. The partnership was built on a project to build capacity for research and produce data for policy action for the prevention and care of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through primary healthcare in the Philippines. The specific objectives of the project were to: (1) locally adapt the Primary Care Assessment Tool for the Philippines and use the adapted tool to measure facility-level primary care delivery, (2) conduct focus group discussions (FGDs) to gather qualitative observations regarding primary care readiness and capacity, and (3) conduct a comprehensive population-based health survey among adults on NCDs and prior healthcare experience. We describe here the progression of the partnership between these institutions to carry out the project and the elements that helped build a stronger connection between the institutions, such as mutual goal setting, cultural bridging, collaborative teams, and capacity building. This example, which can be used as a model depicting new directionality and opportunities for LMIC-HIC academic partnerships, was written based on the review of shared project documents, including study protocols, and written and oral communications with the project team members, including the primary investigators. The innovation of this partnership includes: LMIC-initiated project need identification, LMIC-based funding allocation, a capacity-building role of the HIC institution, and the expansion of scope through jointly offered courses on global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Aryal
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fernando B. Garcia
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - A. J. Scheitler
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emerito Jose A. Faraon
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - T. J. Robinson T. Moncatar
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ofelia P. Saniel
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Fely Marilyn E. Lorenzo
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Roberto Antonio F. Rosadia
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Riti Shimkhada
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James Macinko
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ninez A. Ponce
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Modlin C, Sugarman J, Chongwe G, Kass N, Nazziwa W, Tegli J, Shrestha P, Ali J. Towards achieving transnational research partnership equity: lessons from implementing adaptive platform trials in low- and middle-income countries. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 8:120. [PMID: 38089903 PMCID: PMC10714106 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18915.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Use of adaptive clinical trials, particularly adaptive platform trials, has grown exponentially in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Implementation of these trials in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been fostered through the formation or modification of transnational research partnerships, typically between research groups from LMICs and high-income countries (HICs). While these partnerships are important to promote collaboration and overcome the structural and economic disadvantages faced by LMIC health researchers, it is critical to focus attention on the multiple dimensions of partnership equity. Methods Based on informal literature reviews and a meeting with leaders of one of the multinational COVID-19 adaptive platform trials, we describe some important considerations about research partnership equity in this context. Results We organize these considerations into eight thematic categories: 1) epistemic structures, 2) funding, 3) ethics oversight, 4) regulatory oversight, 5) leadership, 6) post-trial access to interventions, data, and specimens, 7) knowledge translation and dissemination, and 8) research capacity strengthening and maintenance. Within each category we review normative claims that support its relevance to research partnership equity followed by discussion of how adaptive platform trials highlight new dimensions, considerations, or challenges. Conclusion In aggregate, these observations provide insight into procedural and substantive equity-building measures within transnational global health research partnerships more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Modlin
- Berman Institute for Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Jeremy Sugarman
- Berman Institute for Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Gershom Chongwe
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nancy Kass
- Berman Institute for Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Winfred Nazziwa
- Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jemee Tegli
- Family Health International Clinical/Partnership for Research on Vaccines and Infectious Diseases in Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Prakriti Shrestha
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Joseph Ali
- Berman Institute for Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
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Modlin CE, Kankaka EN, Chang LW, Sewankambo NK, Ali J. Exploring HIV/AIDS investigator perceptions of equity within research partnerships between low-and middle-income and high-income countries: a pilot survey. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:32. [PMID: 37127604 PMCID: PMC10152781 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-00977-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recommendations for research partnerships between low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs) stress the importance of equity within the collaboration. However, there is limited knowledge of the practical challenges and successes involved in establishing equitable research practices. This study describes the results of a pilot survey assessing key issues on LMIC/HIC partnership equity within HIV/AIDS research collaborations and compares perspectives of these issues between LMIC- and HIC-based investigators. METHODS Survey participants were selected using clustered, random sampling and snowball sampling. Responses were compared between LMIC and HIC respondents using standard descriptive statistics. Qualitative respondent feedback was analyzed using a combination of exploratory and confirmatory thematic analysis. RESULTS The majority of categories within four themes (research interests and resources; leadership, trust, and communication; cultural and ethical competence; representation and benefits) demonstrated relative consensus between LMIC and HIC respondents except for 'lack of trust within the partnership' which was rated as a more pronounced challenge by LMIC respondents. However, subcategories within some of the themes had significant differences between respondent groups including: equitable setting of the research agenda, compromise within a partnership, the role of regulatory bodies in monitoring partnerships for equity, and post-study access to research technology. CONCLUSIONS These efforts serve as a proof-of-concept survey characterizing contemporary issues around international research partnership equity. The frequency and severity of specific equity issues can be assessed, highlighting similarities versus differences in experiences between LMIC and HIC partners as potential targets for further discussion and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea E Modlin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute for Bioethics, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Edward Nelson Kankaka
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai, Uganda
| | - Larry W Chang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nelson K Sewankambo
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ali
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute for Bioethics, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Modlin C, Sugarman J, Chongwe G, Kass N, Nazziwa W, Tegli J, Shrestha P, Ali J. Towards achieving transnational research partnership equity: lessons from implementing adaptive platform trials in low- and middle-income countries. Wellcome Open Res 2023. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18915.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Use of adaptive clinical trials, particularly adaptive platform trials, has grown exponentially in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Implementation of these trials in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been fostered through the formation or modification of transnational research partnerships, typically between research groups from LMICs and high-income countries (HICs). While these partnerships are important to promote collaboration and overcome the structural and economic disadvantages faced by LMIC health researchers, it is critical to focus attention on the multiple dimensions of partnership equity. Methods: Based on informal literature reviews and meetings with leaders of one of the multinational COVID-19 adaptive platform trials, we describe what can be learned about research partnership equity from these experiences. Results: We organize these considerations into eight thematic categories: 1) epistemic structures, 2) funding, 3) ethics oversight, 4) regulatory oversight, 5) leadership, 6) post-trial access to interventions, data, and specimens, 7) knowledge translation, and 8) research capacity strengthening and maintenance. Within each category we review the normative claims that support its relevance to research partnership equity followed by discussion of how adaptive platform trials highlight new dimensions, considerations, or challenges. Conclusion: These observations provide insight into procedural and substantive equity-building measures within transnational global health research partnerships more broadly.
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Hodson DZ, Etoundi YM, Parikh S, Boum Y. Striving towards true equity in global health: A checklist for bilateral research partnerships. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001418. [PMID: 36963065 PMCID: PMC10021183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Interest in "global health" among schools of medicine, public health, and other health disciplines in high-income countries (HIC) continues to rise. Persistent power imbalances, racism, and maintenance of colonialism/neocolonialism plague global health efforts, including global health scholarship. Scholarly projects conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) by trainees at these schools in HIC often exacerbate these problems. Drawing on published literature and shared experiences, we review key inequalities within each phase of research, from design through implementation and analysis/dissemination, and make concrete and practical recommendations to improve equity at each stage. Key problems facing global health scholarship include HIC-centric nature of global health organizations, paucity of funding directly available for LMIC investigators and trainees, misplaced emphasis on HIC selected issues rather than local solutions to local problems, the dominance of English language in the scientific literature, and exploitation of LMIC team members. Four key principles lie at the foundation of all our recommendations: 1) seek locally derived and relevant solutions to global health issues, 2) create paired collaborations between HIC and LMIC institutions at all levels of training, 3) provide funding for both HIC and LMIC team members, 4) assign clear roles and responsibilities to value, leverage, and share the strengths of all team members. When funding for global health research is predicated upon more ethical and equitable collaborations, the nature of global health collaborations will evolve to be more ethical and equitable. Therefore, we propose the Douala Equity Checklist as a 20-item tool HIC and LMIC institutions can use throughout the conduct of global health projects to ensure more equitable collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Z Hodson
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Yannick Mbarga Etoundi
- Douala Military Hospital, Douala, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Sunil Parikh
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Yap Boum
- Epicentre, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Institut Pasteur of Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic
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Voller S, Chitalu CCM, Nyondo-Mipando AL, Opobo T, Bangirana CA, Thorogood N, Schellenberg J, Chi P. "We should be at the table together from the beginning": perspectives on partnership from stakeholders at four research institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:111. [PMID: 35978323 PMCID: PMC9387072 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-022-01707-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Global health research partnerships have been scrutinised for how they operate and criticised for perpetuating inequities. Guidance to inform fair partnership practice has proliferated and the movement to decolonise global health has added momentum for change. In light of this evolving context, we sought in this study to document contemporary experiences of partnership from the perspective of stakeholders in four sub-Saharan African research institutions. Methods We conducted qualitative interviews with 20 stakeholders at research institutions in four countries in anglophone eastern and southern Africa. Interview questions were informed by published guidance on equitable research partnerships. Data was analysed through an iterative process of inductive and deductive coding, supported by NVivo software. Results Early-career, mid-career and senior researchers and research administrators from four sub-Saharan African research institutions described wide-ranging experiences of partnership with high-income country collaborators. Existing guidelines for partnership provided good coverage of issues that participants described as being the key determinants of a healthy partnership, including mutual respect, role clarity and early involvement of all partners. However, there was almost no mention of guidelines being used to inform partnership practice. Participants considered the key benefits of partnership to be capacity strengthening and access to research funding. Meanwhile, participants continued to experience a range of well-documented inequities, including exclusion from agenda setting, study design, data analysis and authorship; and relationships that were exploitative and dominated by high-income country partners’ interests. Participants also reported emerging issues where their institution had been the prime recipient of funds. These included high-income country partners being unwilling to accept a subordinate role and failing to comply with reporting requirements. Conclusions Insights from stakeholders in four sub-Saharan African research institutions suggest that contemporary global health research partnerships generate considerable benefits but continue to exhibit longstanding inequities and reveal emerging tensions. Our findings suggest that long-term support targeted towards institutions and national research systems remains essential to fulfil the potential of research led from sub-Saharan Africa. High-income country stakeholders need to find new roles in partnerships and stakeholders from sub-Saharan Africa must continue to tackle challenges presented by the resource-constrained contexts in which they commonly operate. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12939-022-01707-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirine Voller
- Epidemiology and Demography Department, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.
| | | | - Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Formerly College of Medicine), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Timothy Opobo
- The AfriChild Centre, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Clare Ahabwe Bangirana
- The AfriChild Centre, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nicki Thorogood
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Joanna Schellenberg
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Primus Chi
- Health Systems and Research Ethics Department, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
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Larson CP, Plamondon KM, Dubent L, Bicaba F, Bicaba A, Minh TH, Nguyen A, Girard JE, Ramdé J, Gyorkos TW. The Equity Tool for Valuing Global Health Partnerships. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022; 10:GHSP-D-21-00316. [PMID: 35487557 PMCID: PMC9053142 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There is a need to more comprehensively identify and respond to equity in global health partnerships. The Equity Tool can support dialogue at any stage of a partnership, by individuals at any level. This assists partnerships to embrace ways of recognizing, understanding, and advancing equity in all their processes. Global health partnerships (GHPs) involve complex relationships between individuals and organizations, often joining partners from high-income and low- or middle-income countries around work that is carried out in the latter. Therefore, GHPs are situated in the context of global inequities and their underlying sociopolitical and historical causes, such as colonization. Equity is a core principle that should guide GHPs from start to end. How equity is embedded and nurtured throughout a partnership has remained a constant challenge. We have developed a user-friendly tool for valuing a GHP throughout its lifespan using an equity lens. The development of the EQT was informed by 5 distinct elements: a scoping review of scientific published peer-reviewed literature; an online survey and follow-up telephone interviews; workshops in Canada, Burkina Faso, and Vietnam; a critical interpretive synthesis; and a content validation exercise. Findings suggest GHPs generate experiences of equity or inequity yet provide little guidance on how to identify and respond to these experiences. The EQT can guide people involved in partnering to consider the equity implications of all their actions, from inception, through implementation and completion of a partnership. When used to guide reflective dialogue with a clear intention to advance equity in and through partnering, this tool offers a new approach to valuing global health partnerships. Global health practitioners, among others, can apply the EQT in their partnerships to learning together about how to cultivate equity in their unique contexts within what is becoming an increasingly diverse, vibrant, and responsive global health community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles P Larson
- Canadian Association for Global Health (formerly Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research), Ottawa, Canada.
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Katrina M Plamondon
- Canadian Association for Global Health (formerly Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research), Ottawa, Canada
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Canada
| | - Leslie Dubent
- Canadian Association for Global Health (formerly Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Frank Bicaba
- Société d'Études et de Recherche en Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Abel Bicaba
- Société d'Études et de Recherche en Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Tran Hung Minh
- Center for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - An Nguyen
- HealthBridge Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Jacques E Girard
- Canadian Association for Global Health (formerly Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research), Ottawa, Canada
- Direction en Santé Mondiale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean Ramdé
- Canadian Association for Global Health (formerly Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research), Ottawa, Canada
- HealthBridge Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Theresa W Gyorkos
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
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Voller S, Schellenberg J, Chi P, Thorogood N. What Makes Working Together Work? A Scoping Review of the Guidance on North-South Research Partnerships. Health Policy Plan 2022; 37:523-534. [PMID: 35089994 PMCID: PMC9006068 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
At their best, research partnerships provide a mechanism to optimize each partner’s strengths, make scientific discoveries and achieve development goals. Each partner stands to gain from the relationship and perceives it to be fair. However, partnerships between institutions in the global North and the global South have been beleaguered by structural inequalities and power imbalances, and Northern stakeholders have been criticized for perpetuating paternalistic or neo-colonial behaviours. As part of efforts to redress imbalances and achieve equity and mutual benefit, various principles, guidelines, frameworks and models for partnership have been developed. This scoping review maps the literature and summarizes key features of the guidelines for North–South research partnerships. The review was conducted between October 2020 and January 2021. Three academic journal databases and Google were searched, and additional resources were identified through a hand search of reference lists and expert recommendation. Twenty-two guidelines were identified published between 1994 and 2021 and originating predominantly in the fields of international development and global health. The themes addressed within the guidelines were aggregated using NVivo qualitative analysis software to code the content of each guideline. Topics featuring most prominently in the guidelines were: partner roles, responsibilities and ways of working; capacity strengthening; motivation and goals; resource contributions; agenda setting and study design; governance structures and institutional agreements; dissemination; respect for affected populations; data handling and ownership; funding and long-term commitments. The current study reinforces many of the themes from two recent scoping reviews specific to the field of global health, but gaps remain, which need to be addressed: Southern stakeholders continue to be under-represented in guideline development, and there is limited evidence of how guidelines are used in practice. Further exploration is needed of Southern stakeholder priorities and whether and how guidelines are operationalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirine Voller
- *Corresponding author. Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK. E-mail:
| | - Joanna Schellenberg
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Primus Chi
- Health Systems and Research Ethics Department, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, CGMRC, PO Box 230-80108 Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Nicki Thorogood
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
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