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Bonaconsa C, Nampoothiri V, Mbamalu O, Dlamini S, Surendran S, Singh SK, Ahmad R, Holmes A, Rasheed MA, Mendelson M, Charani E. Mentorship as an overlooked dimension of research capacity strengthening: how to embed value-driven practices in global health. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e014394. [PMID: 38176742 PMCID: PMC10773385 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014394] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Mentorship in global health remains an overlooked dimension of research partnerships. Commitment to effective mentorship models requires value-driven approaches. This includes having an understanding of (1) what mentorship means across different cultural and hierarchical boundaries in the health research environment, and (2) addressing entrenched power asymmetries across different aspects including funding, leadership, data and outputs, and capacity strengthening. Existing guidance towards equity and sustainability fails to inform how to navigate complex relationships which hinder effective mentorship models. We focus this perspective piece on human capacity strengthening in research partnerships through mentorship. Using a case study of a research partnership, we describe the lessons learnt and the challenges faced in the mentor mentee relationship while maintaining an effective and sustainable partnership. Human capacity strengthening must research projects and collaborations, and recognise local leadership and ownership. To be transformative and effective, practices need to be driven by common values across research teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Bonaconsa
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vrinda Nampoothiri
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Amrita Institute of Medical Science, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Oluchi Mbamalu
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sipho Dlamini
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Surya Surendran
- Department of Health Systems and Equity, The George Institute for Global Health, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sanjeev K Singh
- Department of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Amrita Institute of Medical Science, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Raheelah Ahmad
- School of Health Sciences City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Alison Holmes
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Muneera A Rasheed
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marc Mendelson
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Esmita Charani
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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