• Health research

Health research

This World Health Organization report highlights the gap between what is known about health and what is actually being done. It reviews the state of global health research and finds it wanting. Poorly functioning health systems are identified as a key obstacle to health improvement which research has failed to address. The report also draws attention to the continuing 10/90 gap, which sees only 10 per cent of the world's health research budget given to combating problems that affect 90 per cent of the population. Lack of access to basic health information is also cited as a major problem.

The report emphasises the need for better application of scientific research in diverse populations and political and social contexts. It also calls for stronger health systems to meet the challenges of maternal and child health, as well as the growing threat of HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases, both communicable and non-communicable. To achieve this, it advocates more funding and support for health systems research to address the continuing disparities and inequities in access to health care. It also argues that access to reliable, up-to-date health information should be declared a universal right, and calls for renewed commitment to reducing the 10/90 gap.

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