"Research for health" Global Ministerial Forum begins on Monday
17-19 November 2008
Credit: Ekernf-Bamako2008
Bamako-Geneva -- A unique blend of political, research, industry and civil society leaders has come together in Bamako, Mali 17-19 November in an attempt to direct research to better meet the needs of poor countries. Leaders have discussed strategies for national and global research for health that address inequities in health, foster greater health security and strengthen health systems.
Building on a Ministerial Summit held in Mexico in 2004, the Global Ministerial Forum on Research for Health is to review progress on commitments, identify lessons learned and issue a Call to Action reflecting priorities for moving forward.
The forum is unique in several ways:
- It is the first such gathering to consider the perspective of ‘research for health’ – looking at how all kinds of research -- not only health research but also higher education, environment, security and socio-economic research -- can be harnessed to improve health.
- It will be a dialogue between policy makers, research leaders and civil society representatives to encourage better cooperation on research that improves people’s health.
The six partners in the forum are the: Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED); Global Forum for Health Research; Republic of Mali; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); World Bank and World Health Organization (WHO).
For a list of story ideas covering the effects of global warming, food shortages, and health security, the programme and participants, visit the forum website at www.bamako2008.org.
Call to action
On Wednesday, 19 November, the forum is expected to release a Call to Action on research for health that can be used as a blueprint for research development approaches and necessary support.
Press Contacts
Lynne Smit, communication officer, Global Ministerial Forum on Research for Health. Phone: +223 65 87 03 68 (Mali). Email: Lynne@ofcourse.co.za and Ibrahima Sangho, Communications officer, Mali Ministry of Health: Phone: +223 73 48 79 06 (Mali).