Concepts | PMTCT | SMC |
---|---|---|
Status of policy | PMTCT policy adopted in 2001 | SMC policy formulation in progress (2009) |
Stage in R-2-P processes in 2009 | Policy implementation stage | Analysis of policy feasibility and agenda setting |
Type of research evidence generated | Implementation level evidence of effectiveness | Proof of concept for SMC – multi-country clinical trials (Rakia, Kisumu and Orange Farm) |
Methods used for generating evidence | Large cohorts of program beneficiaries, i.e. children and mothers enrolled in PMTCT programs | Multi-country randomized clinical trial; country level acceptability surveys; service availability services |
Objectives of the researchers’ policy engagement | To improve the national policy implementation approaches; Changes to cost-effective approaches | To establish global policy guidelines; establish national SMC programs; mobilize funds for SMC programs |
Influential decision-making audiences | National technical level decision makers (MOH WHO, UNAIDS, UNICEF and EGPAF); Makerere College of Health Sciences | Mostly global multilateral agencies e.g. WHO, UNAIDS, Gates Foundation and NIH; MOH and political leaders i.e. president’s opinion about SMC |
Secondary audiences | Implementers of PMTCT programs; Funding agencies of PMCTC programs; WHO and UNAIDS (validation of their guidelines) | National level leaders, technical decision makers, media practitioners; general public; HIV funding agencies; Implementers (e.g. hospital managers and surgeons) |
Methods for engaging national level decision makers | Researchers are integrated into decision-making fora e.g. PMTCT National Advisory Committee and committees | Transactional or “arms-length” engagement methods by researchers e.g. occasional dissemination events, policy briefings and mass media. |