Research capacity strengthening in Honduras
Authors: Ana L Sanchez, Maritza Canales, Lourdes Enriquez, Ada A Zelaya, Vilma E Espinoza, Gustavo A Fontecha
Journal: The Lancet Global Health (2013)

A strong research capacity and robust research systems are essential contributors to the health and development of nations.1Global Forum for Health Research. The 10/90 Report on Health Research 2001–2002. Geneva; 2002.Google Scholar This recognition has prompted significant investments in higher education, research, and innovation in Latin America, a region where health research has traditionally been weak.2Becerra F Cuervo LG Health research in Latin America.Lancet. 2010; 375: 120Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar Unsurprisingly, this expansion in scientific productivity has not been equally distributed, and most Central American countries are deemed to be scientifically lagging.3Wagner C Brahmakulam I Jackson B Wong A Yoda T Science and Technology Collaboration: Building capacity in developing countries?.http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monograph_reports/2005/MR1357.0.pdfDate: March, 2001Google Scholar In Honduras, current health research capacity is small. While neighbouring countries take actions to make research a national priority, conditions of extreme poverty, insecurity, and inequity make envisioning the role research plays in society difficult for Honduran leaders. Accordingly, investment in science and technology in Honduras has been abysmally low (roughly 0·04% of the GDP),4RICYTInter-American-TNfSaTI-I-AaUpdated science and technology indicators up to the year 2010 by country: Honduras.http://db.ricyt.org/query/HN/1990,2010/calculadosGoogle Scholar which naturally translates into negligible levels of research productivity. Without the research activity that would demand a formal structure, the country has yet to establish a national health research system.2Becerra F Cuervo LG Health research in Latin America.Lancet. 2010; 375: 120Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar So, how to boost Honduras's research capacity if so little exists to begin with? Because of the tendency by funders and researchers from developed countries to invest in countries that have some capacity for health research,5McKee M Stuckler D Basu S Where there is no health research: what can be done to fill the global gaps in health research?.PLoS Med. 2012; 9: e1001209Crossref PubMed Scopus (59) Google Scholar with some exceptions, Honduras has been largely overlooked. We are trying to change this trend. Funded by the Global Health Research Initiative of Canada, we have completed a 5-year project of research capacity strengthening at the largest Honduran academic institution, the National Autonomous University of Honduras. We built and improved on previous models of research capacity strengthening6Velho L Research capacity building for development: from old to new assumptions.Sci Technol Soc. 2004; 9: 171-207Crossref Scopus (16) Google Scholar and used an integrated approach not only focused on individual researchers or providing technical assistance but also on fostering an institutional environment that is supportive of safe and ethical science. Our main objective was to establish a locally owned research-based MSc programme in infectious and zoonotic diseases to continually educate new generations of researchers. Additionally, we expanded research networks, built a state-of-the-art research laboratory, installed the National Autonomous University of Honduras's first non-medical research ethics board, and led the creation of a biosafety training centre. We had many obstacles, but 5 years of arduous work have undoubtedly paid off. Students and researchers associated with the project are showing an increased capacity to do research, generate publications, attract funding, and, very importantly, to pursue collaborations with investigators within the region and beyond. Our work in Honduras helped to bridge the proverbial 10/90 gap1Global Forum for Health Research. The 10/90 Report on Health Research 2001–2002. Geneva; 2002.Google Scholar and increased the demand for a national health research system that would increase the production and quality of health research in the country.2Becerra F Cuervo LG Health research in Latin America.Lancet. 2010; 375: 120Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar We invite the global community to build on our efforts. We declare that we have no conflicts of interest.