Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
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To describe in detail the methods followed in each of the qualitative and quantitative surveys of national health information, research and knowledge systems and research institutions. ⋯ The logistics and resources involved in surveying the knowledge landscape in the 42 countries were substantial. However, the investment was worthwhile as the results of the surveys can be used to inform policy-making and decision-making, as well as to establish a regional database of national health information, research and knowledge systems.
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To describe the current status of institutional facilities and the supporting research infrastructure of surveyed health research institutions in Africa, including information on communication technologies and connectivity, library resources, and laboratory operations and resources. ⋯ Health research institutions in the Region have insufficient access to essential facilities such as laboratories, libraries, computers and the Internet to generate, access and share information.
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To describe and analyse research output from surveyed national health research institutions in Africa. ⋯ The research output of health research institutions in the Region is significant, but more effort is needed to strengthen research capacity, including human and financial resources.
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To describe the status of health information systems in 14 sub-Saharan African countries of the World Health Organization African Region. ⋯ National health information systems are weak in the surveyed countries and much more needs to be done to improve the quality and relevance of data, and their management, sharing and use for policy-making and decision-making.
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To describe the mechanisms and systems of knowledge acquisition, creation, diffusion, application and improvement of knowledge in two layers of the health system: health policy formulation and the provision of clinical services. ⋯ As systematic reviews are rarely utilised as a source of evidence in policy development and few mechanisms exist to assess the performance of the policies, there are significant opportunities for improving policy development.