The INDEPTH Network has conducted two INDEPTH Health Equity studies. Study Phase 1, which is leading to a monograph, demonstrated that large disparities exist in terms of health outcomes among different socio-economic subgroups among populations in INDEPTH sites that cover small geographically defined populations. These sites include two countries in southern Africa - Tanzania and South Africa. With this evidence, the Network decided to move to the next stage, Study Phase 2, to develop intervention studies or manipulate existing interventions to have a pro-poor focus in order to inform policy. The Network has also developed a tool for measuring socio-economic status, which is available on their website.
Useful Resources
INDEPTH tools for equity in health
INDEPTH Network
New gender and health online resource launched
Canadian Institute of Health Research Institute of Gender and Health (IGH) and the Campbell and Cochrane Equity Methods Group: 2010
The Canadian Institute of Health Research Institute of Gender and Health (IGH) Cochrane Corner is a new online resource that highlights reviews pertinent to gender, sex, and health questions. It aims to introduce those working in gender, sex, and health to the methods of the Cochrane Collaboration and, reciprocally, to bring awareness of sex- and gender-based analyses to the Cochrane community. The Corner will provide a range of knowledge users with a gender- and sex-focused entrée into the collection of research evidence provided through the Cochrane Library. By creating a focused collection of systematic reviews relevant to gender, sex, and health, the IGH Cochrane Corner will be a valuable tool for knowledge translation in the field. The Corner also features an original series of columns, which highlight methodological, substantive, or newsworthy issues related to sex, gender, health, and systematic reviews. The columns reflect current knowledge and activities in the field.
Social accountability: Tools and mechanisms for improved urban water services
Velleman Y: WaterAid Working Paper, June 2010
This paper discusses the need for specific pro-poor measures to ensure water service provision to poor urban populations. Given the proven importance of pro-poor measures for urban water service delivery and viability, the question arises as to why such measures are not undertaken by utilities as normal practice. Although financial constraints matter, they do not constitute the only barrier. The report argues that the missing ingredient needed in order to reach poor people is accountability to the people, which necessitates the meaningful involvement of users in the planning, delivery and monitoring of water services. This increases the chances of delivering reliable, sustainable and affordable water services to more urban inhabitants. The engagement of users in utility reforms and ongoing service improvement processes is crucial, since reforms to improve efficiency (inevitably the main driver for reforms) do not necessarily translate into geographical equity or a commitment to serve the poor. Without incentives, a clear mandate to serve the poor or a ‘champion’, companies chase markets that are ‘easy’, offer the highest returns and do not require subsidies. However, user engagement is far from simple and its outcomes far from predictable. The paper draws on a variety of literature, as well as a series of key-informant interviews.
Tools to make policy research accountable
One World Trust: 2010
The One World Trust, with support from the International Development and Research Centre, has created an interactive, online database of tools to help organisations conducting policy relevant research become more accountable. The database provides an inventory of over two hundred tools, standards and processes within a broad, overarching accountability framework. With a dynamic interface and several search functions, it allows users to identify aspects of accountability that interests them, and provides ideas to improve their accountability in this context. Each tool is supported by sources and further reading. The site also encourages engagement with and discussion on the database content, through allowing users to comment on individual tools, or to submit their own tools, processes and standards for inclusion. The database is an output of a three-year project, titled ‘Accountability Principles for Research Organisations’. Working with partners across the globe, the project has generated an accountability framework which is sufficiently flexible to apply to many contexts and different organisations.
Website for rural health
Rural Health Advocacy Project: 2009
The Rural Health Advocacy Project (RHAP) was launched in August 2009 in response to the specific health challenges in rural areas. The RHAP believes that a focus on rural health is key to improving national health outcomes and achieving progress towards the millennium development goals. This is because rural communities have poorer health status, less access to health care facilities, fewer resources, less information and fewer health care professionals than their counterparts in urban areas. The RHAP believes that for South Africa to improve its health outcomes, the problems faced by rural communities need specific attention. The RHAP is a partnership between the Wits Centre for Rural Health (CRH), the Rural Doctors Association of Southern Africa (RuDASA) and SECTION27, incorporating the AIDS Law Project. The website contains news items and papers by researchers on various topics regarding rural health, such as health worker retention, health services and health financing.
A methodology for human rights impact assessment: Systematically identifying, predicting and responding to projects potential impacts on human rights
Nomogaia Foundation: 2008
This Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) manual aims to systematically identify, predict and respond to projects' potential impacts on human rights. The goal of this methodology is to assist in the creation of valid, useful and ultimately meaningful human rights impact assessments. The process of creating and using HRIA is still in its early phases, the manual observes and their relevance will depend on a continuing improvement of method, capacity and result which can only be accomplished through the sharing of experience and information between companies and assessors. The methodology looks at HRIA assessment sources, goals, and types. It covers basic concepts and looks provides five steps for implementation: gather project contexts and company information; drawing up a preliminary list of impacted rights; drawing up a preliminary list of impacted right holders; special topics; and inquiry guided by topic catalogue. The manual offers recommendations for policies, procedures, structures and action. It also provides an appendix of other tools and selected best practices.
Evidence- and rights-based planning and support tool for SRHR /HIV-prevention interventions for young people: How can organisations ensure their SHRH interventions are effective?
Leerlooijer J, WPF and STOP AIDS NOW!: World Population Fund, 2009
This tool attempts to document the most importance evidence regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in a way that is useful to organisations with limited time and resources, working in the day-to-day practice of SHRH education for young people. It has been tested in workshops in South Africa and Pakistan partner organisations who implement SRHR/HIV interventions for young people. This tool is for project managers who either design new programmes or who evaluate existing programmes. It focuses on the planning of SRHR/ HIV prevention interventions for young people and consists of 28 indicators for successful/ effective education programmes. The indicators are based on existing theories and evidence and are based on the Intervention Mapping framework. The tool looks at different approaches such as a theory and evidenced approach and a rights-based approach and then outlines six tools to support the following planning and implementation processes: involvement; needs assessment/situation analysis; objectives; evidence-based intervention design; adoption and implementation; and monitoring and evaluation.
New postgraduate programme for communication in health
University of Witwatersrand: September 2010
The Soul City Institute for Health and Development Communication and the Wits School of Public Health have launched a post-graduate degree programme aimed at developing professionals who will promote and implement social and behaviour change communication in health. The study of Social and Behaviour Change Communication will look at a host of health challenges, including tuberculosis, malaria, chronic and lifestyle diseases. Behaviour change in relation to HIV, for which a vast field of study already exists, will also form part of the curriculum. The division will help students develop skills to apply social and behavioural theory to a range of interventions that include social mobilisation, advocacy, social marketing, edutainment and monitoring and evaluation.
New website for knowledge brokering
Research Matters: September 2010
Research Matters has launched a new web resource for knowledge brokers and intermediaries. The forum is a shared space for knowledge brokers and intermediaries, people involved in knowledge translation and peers interested in the role. It is designed as a space where you can: access and share resources on the strategic, practical and technical aspects of knowledge brokering and intermediary work; learn from a global community of peers working involved in knowledge brokering and intermediary work; share experiences on knowledge brokering and intermediary work with others; and obtain advice and peer support on issues and challenges they face. In addition to providing a space for discussions, requesting peer advice and posting knowledge-related blogs, the forum will be hosting regular themed discussions. If you are someone who is interested in knowledge translation and how research evidence can influence decision making, you might be interested in joining the Knowledge Brokers’ Forum at the website address provided.
Tools to make policy research accountable
One World Trust: 2010
One World Trust, with support from the International Development and Research Centre (IDRC), has created an interactive, online database of tools to help organisations conducting policy-relevant research to become more accountable. The database provides an inventory of over two hundred tools, standards and processes within a broad, overarching accountability framework. With a dynamic interface and several search functions, it allows users to identify aspects of accountability that interest them, and provides ideas to improve their accountability in this context. Each tool is supported by sources and further reading. The site also encourages engagement with and discussion on the database content, through allowing users to comment on individual tools, or to submit their own tools, processes and standards for inclusion.