Barriers to effective dissemination of reproductive health research in Pakistan.

Over the past decade there has been a shift towards evidence-based policy formation and knowledge-led development (WHO 2000: ECDPM 2000). A prerequisite for evidence-based policy formation is the provision of scientifically solid and up-to-date information to policymakers that can act as a basis for policy formation (WHO 200: Bark 1979). However a gap exists between the dissemination of research and its uptake by policymakers which often results in research outputs not being used effectively to precipitate policy change (RAND 1997: Walt 1994). This research investigates issues of dissemination of information in the researcher-policymaker interface. Although a gap has been identified very little published work exists that explains the difficulties experienced or investigated strategies for effective dissemination across the divide. This research explores current modes of dissemination identifies the difficulties with these modes and highlights examples of effective dissemination. The paper also suggests strategies for the effective dissemination of reproductive health research to policymakers. (excerpt)