The impact of Fogarty International Center research training programs on public health policy and program development in Kenya and Uganda
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC Public Health
Abstract
The Fogarty International Center (FIC) has supported research capacity development for over twenty
years. While the mission of FIC is supporting and facilitating global health research conducted by U.S. and
international investigators, building partnerships between health research institutions in the U.S. and abroad, and
training the next generation of scientists to address global health needs, research capacity may impact health
policies and programs and therefore have positive impacts on public health. We conducted an exploratory analysis
of how FIC research training investments affected public health policy and program development in Kenya and
Uganda.
Methods: We explored the long term impacts of all FIC supported research training programs using case studies, in
Kenya and Uganda. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 53 respondents and 29 focus group
discussion participants across the two countries. Qualitative methods were supplemented by structured surveys of
trainees and document review, including a review of evidence cited in policy documents.
Results: In the primary focal areas of FIC grants, notably HIV/AIDS, there were numerous examples of work
conducted by former FIC trainees that influenced national and global policies. Facilitators for this influence included
the strong technical skills and scientific reputations of the trainees, and professional networks spanning research
and policy communities. Barriers included the fact that trainees typically had not received training in research
communication, relatively few policy makers had received scientific training, and institutional constraints that
undermined alignment of research with policy needs.
Description
Keywords
Research capacity, Policy influence, HIV/AIDS
Citation
Bennett, S., Paina, L., Ssengooba, F., Waswa, D., & M’Imunya, J. M. (2013). The impact of Fogarty International Center research training programs on public health policy and program development in Kenya and Uganda. BMC Public Health, 13(1), 1-11.