Given continuing health inequities, in both the developing and the developed world, COHRED promotes  research for health and innovation that addresses the needs of the disadvantaged.

COHRED works with countries to build the skills and systems required for such essential research. We partner with governments, research institutions and local communities, building on expertise from around the world.

COHRED values social justice, good governance, sustainability, human rights, excellence, evidence-based action and south-south alliances in research for health.

Building capacity in countries – A long-term commitment to supporting countries, enabling them to strengthen their health research systems and institutions. The aims is to strength southern institutions (academic, research, governmental or non-governmental organisations).

Inclusion and participation - Working with decision-makers, researchers, communities and civil society – as research has more impact on equity if all key stakeholders are involved.

Partnership – Working together with like-minded organsiations in countries and at the international level, and in strategic alliances where the relationship creates a win-win for partners and COHRED.

Equity - Striving for equity in health by making it central to health research systems.

Country perspective/Voice of the south - COHRED promotes research for health at national level, and provides a ‘voice of the south’ in determining the international health research agenda. COHRED’s Board requires a mandatory representation of 2/3 of health research leaders and stakeholders from low- and middle-income countries.

A unique approach

COHRED is different from other national, regional and multilateral organisations working in research for health and innovation. We engage at country level with all relevant actors concerned with research for health and innovation, including: research institutions and councils, ministries, civil society and the media.

At the core of the COHRED programme is the need to better understand the needs of low- and middle-income countries; and how COHRED can add value by strengthening  research for health and innovation systems.

COHRED adds value to national research for health and innovation by:

• Providing support, technical expertise and tools to countries to help them strengthen their research for health and innovation systems.
• Facilitating learning and the sharing of experience between countries. And making this learning broadly available to others as global public goods.
• Doing research together with countries aiming to improve the understanding of specific aspects of strengthening research for health systems.
• Partnering with global health initiatives, development agencies and other international bodies to continually bring a focus on country needs.
• Calling for action – based on studies and evidence – on how international players in research for health can better support country needs.