Directorate of Health Research
Director
Overview
A brief description of the directorate’s structure:
- Director
- Principal Health Research Officer
- Senior Health Research Officer
- Health Research Officer
Support Staff:
- Administrative Secretary
- Driver
- Cleaner
The Directorate of Health Research’s core functions include:
- Coordination of Health Research Governance and Ethics Oversight
- Establish and oversee the National Health Research Council (NHRC) as the primary body for health research governance.
- Development and implementation of the Health Research Policy and Strategy Plan
- Ensure research activities align with national health priorities and policies.
- Development and implementation of the National Health Research Ethics Framework
- Establishment and management of the National Scientific & Ethics Committee (NSEC) for the review of Health research proposals.
- Development of the operational tools to promoted quality health research output
- Ensure adherence to international ethical and scientific standards
- Health Research Coordination & Capacity Building
- Facilitate collaboration with local and international research institutions, universities, and stakeholders.
- Build the capacity of health researchers through training, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
- Promote the integration of evidence-based research into health policy and practice.
- Facilitate the Develop and implement national health research priorities
- Conduct periodic review and update of the national Health Research agenda
- Conduct of Health Research & Data Management
- Conduct and oversee research studies on public health priorities, including disease burden, interventions, and health system effectiveness.
- Develop and manage national health research databases for data collection, storage, and dissemination.
- Analyze and translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
- Innovation & Knowledge Translation
- Promote the use of research findings to inform healthcare policies, programs, and interventions.
- Encourage innovation in health research, including new diagnostic tools, treatments, and health technologies.
- Organize conferences, workshops, and publications to disseminate research outcomes to policymakers, healthcare workers, and the public.
- Mobilization of Financial Resources for Health Research
- Develop and implement a financial sustainability plan for research funding.
- Advocate for increased allocation of health budgets to research.
- Seek external funding and private sector investment in health research.
- Oversight and Coordination: Leading and aligning health research activities.
- Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Developing and enforcing health research policies and ethics.
- Ethical and Scientific Compliance: Reviewing and approving research proposals.
- Capacity Building and Training: Conducting health research training and mentorship.
- Research Collaboration and Networking: Strengthening national and international partnerships.
- Funding and Sustainability: Advocating for and securing research funding.
- Research Dissemination and Communication: Organizing events and managing databases for research accessibility.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Assessing research impact and ensuring integration into policies.
- Data Management and Security: Enhancing data systems and ensuring ethical data handling.
- Community and Policy Engagement: Promoting public involvement and evidence-based policymaking.
Policies
Reports
What is the mandate of the Directorate of Health Research?
The Directorate of Health Research is responsible for the regulatory oversight, coordination, Conduct, promoting the use and the generally oversee health research activities within and for the Ministry of Health in The Gambia. Its mandate includes setting research priorities, ensuring that regulatory and ethical standards are available and followed, support evidence-based policymaking, and strengthening health research capacity in the country.
How can researchers obtain ethical approval for health research in The Gambia?
Researchers must submit their proposals to the Gambia Government / Medical Research Council / Joint Ethics Committee for review and approval before conducting any health-related research. The Directorate of Health Research facilitates this process by guiding researchers on ethical requirements and compliance with national and international research standards.
Does the Directorate of Health Research provide funding for research projects?
The Directorate does not directly fund research projects but collaborates with local and international partners to secure funding opportunities. It also provides technical support for researchers applying grants and assists in linking them with potential funding agencies.
What role does the Directorate play in health policy development?
The Directorate generates and compiles Health research evidence to inform health policy developments and decision-making within the Ministry of Health. It ensures that health interventions are based on scientific evidence and best practices to improve health outcomes in The Gambia.
How can individuals or organizations collaborate with the Directorate on Health research projects or activities?
Interested individuals or institutions can contact the Directorate through the office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health individuals, institutions or agencies outside of the ministry to discuss potential research collaborations. Those entities within the ministry of Health (Directorates and programs) can reach out to the Director at their office complex on Kairaba Avenue, FIB Building. The Directorate supports partnerships in various research areas, including disease surveillance, health systems research, and public health innovations.
