5.G. Round table: Influencers or Followers? The Role of National Public Health Institutes in LMIC
Authors:   Organised by: European Commission, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO),   Chair persons: Manuel Couffignal - European Commission, Jaap Koot - Netherlands
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To discuss the added value of locally developed health policies and strategies in the context of Global Sustainable Development Goals. To discuss the capabilities, opportunities and limitations of public health institutes in low- and middle-income countries in contributing to health policies and strategies in their countries vis-à-vis the global policies, promoted by multilateral and UN institutions. To formulate recommendations for strengthening the role of local health research institutions in low- and middle-income countries in formulating evidence-based policies and strategies for achieving Sustainable Development Goals, in their countries and beyond their borders.
Five panellists from public health and research institutes in Bangladesh, Laos, DR Congo, Uganda and Haiti, and one representative from the European Commission, discuss their experiences in the Support to Public Health Institutes Programme (financed by the European Union), and what they have achieved in influencing policy and practice. Have they been able to leave their ivory tower of science, and have they been able to enter into real dialogue with politicians, practitioners and users of health services? How have they dealt with scepticism in the era mistrust in science? How did they bridge the gap between science and politics, and what tangible products did they deliver to make an impact on health of the population through policy advice or strategy formulation? Did they really make a difference and if yes, how?
How did the public health institutes relate to the global giants in health policy and strategies? Did they get support or encouragement for following a local route? Have the public health institutes been able to contribute to global development? Has an international exchange facilitated by the European Commission contributed to strengthening the institutes?
After short introductions by the panelists about their work in the last five years, there will be answers to questions from the panel leader and the delegates in the workshop. Delegates are invited to share experiences from their countries. Most of the time of the workshop will be used for a discussion among all participants in the workshop: how can public health institutes and research institutions play a stronger role in policy advice and strategy development in the health sector in their country? What should change within the institutions? How can they demonstrate their added value? What should change in ministries of health and parliaments? What should change in decision-makers in health services? Which best practices do we know, can serve as an example? At the end of the workshop the participants will formulate concrete recommendations, to be presented to the global health community.

Key messages
Public health institutes and research institutions in low- and middle-income countries have a hidden potential to contribute to local solutions for global health problems. A paradigm shift in relations between academic institutions is needed to unleash the potential of public health institutes.