Operational research

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Operational research studies are meant to address critical issues encountered in the implementation of malaria control programmes in countries in order to provide information on challenges faced, generating evidence on best implementation approaches especially of novel interventions and to contribute to policy revision to adopt proven interventions.

The malaria programme at AFRO contributes to operational research by collaborating with TDR to set priorities on the operational research agenda, assist country research teams to develop and implement study protocols as well as monitor ongoing studies.

The main achievements include:

  • Using study results to influence policy. For example, several countries have adopted the home management of malaria strategy following dissemination of results of well-executed operational research studies. Furthermore, similar studies provided evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of integrated delivery of health interventions at community level.

Closing remarks by Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, at the malERA (Malaria Eradication Research Agenda) Zenith Week Meeting, Washington, DC, USA 26 March 2010