No two countries have the same national health research system. There are common features, but the structure, power relations and priorities for development differ considerably between countries. The approach to national health research system assessment (NHRSa) in developing countries is now being tested by COHRED with several partners. It gives decision makers and research managers a rapid overview of the current state of their system, helping them define priority areas for targeted improvements.

A ten country study

A joint project of Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of the WHO, COHRED and the Gulf Cooperation Council

This partnership was formed in 2005 to strengthen the capacities of health research systems in the Eastern Mediterranean region. To inform these efforts a National Health Research System (NHRS) Mapping study was done with partners from ten countries in the region. It was a priority for all partners to have rapid and actionable results from this work.

Welcome to ‘NHRS Support’

This space provides resources, tools and approaches to support countries in assessing, developing and measuring the performance of their national health research systems.

New information is added frequently. Please check for the latest updates and additions.

Framework for developing a national health research system

Using health research to improve population health, health equity and development

Summary points:
* The standards of care for subjects participating in clinical trials is not well defined.
* Excessive reliance has been placed on international declarations to define what is ethical, but declarations, like constitutions, need to be interpreted.
* International researchers must develop a deeper understanding of the context within which their research is being conducted.
* An expanded concept for standard of care, taking into account the context of the trial as well as being sensitive to the social, economic and political milieu, is offered.