The impact of HIV and AIDS research: a case study from Swaziland
Abstract
Background: Swaziland is experiencing the world鈥檚 worst HIV and AIDS epidemic. Prevalence rose from four percent of antenatal clinic attendees in 1992 to 42.6 percent in 2004. The Report 鈥楻eviewing 鈥楨mergencies鈥� for Swaziland: Shifting the Paradigm in a New Era鈥� published in 2007 bought together social and economic indicators. It built a picture of the epidemic as a humanitarian emergency, requiring urgent action from international organisations, donors, and governments. Following a targeted communications effort, the report was believed to have raised the profile of the issue and Swaziland - a success story for HIV and AIDS research.
Methods: Keen to understand how, where and why the report had an impact, Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division commissioned an assessment to track and evaluate the influence of the research. This tapped into literature on the significance of understanding the research-to-policy interface. This paper outlines the report and its impact. It explores key findings from the assessment and suggests lessons for future research projects.
Results: The paper demonstrates that, although complex, and not without methodological issues, impact assessment of research can be of real value to researchers in understanding the research-to-policy interface.
Conclusion: Only by gaining insight into this process can researchers move forward in delivering effective research.
Citation
Health Research Policy and Systems (2011), 9 (Suppl 1): S9 [doi:10.1186/1478-4505-9-S1-S9]