The Health Systems Global (HSG) Eastern Mediterranean Regional Network aims to promote the importance of, and build capacity in, health policy and systems research (HPSR) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
The Eastern Mediterranean Region is currently at a crucial phase in the development of its health systems. Despite significant progress in several health-related outcomes, the unique sets of challenges facing the region today, fueled by demographic changes, epidemiological transitions and conflicts, are having major impact on the region’s health and resources. The new realities and complexities require strengthening the science–policy–society interface and ensuring the continuity of science–policy dialogue.
While much of the region’s policy priorities are related to health systems, there is limited recognition of the importance of HPSR in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Moreover, there are currently only a small number of health systems and policy researchers in the region; a limited number of universities that have stand-alone health system and policy programs; few funding opportunities at the national and regional levels for HPSR; and low capacities to translate evidence from HPSR to inform and influence policy decisions.
Within this context, HSG’s engagement plan for the Eastern Mediterranean Region is guided by the following objectives:
- Promote the importance of conducting and translating HPSR to inform policy and action.
- Build capacity for researchers, policymakers and other key stakeholders.
- Conduct regional meetings and webinars on HPSR.
- Increase regional participation in the Global Symposia on Health Systems Research and other global events relevant to HPSR.
