WHO Calls for Local Action to Turn Global Health Research Priorities into Real-World Policy Impact

More than 150 researchers, policymakers, health practitioners and knowledge brokers from around the world gathered for a World Health Organization (WHO) webinar to examine how global health research priorities can be effectively adapted and implemented at regional and national levels. The event highlighted the growing recognition that research can only drive meaningful change when it is translated into policies and actions that reflect local realities and address country-specific health challenges.

The webinar, held on 23 March 2026 and organized by WHO’s Science for Health Department, brought together participants from 40 countries to discuss practical strategies for implementing the Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation and Evidence-Informed Policy-Making. The discussion focused on ensuring that scientific evidence is not only generated but also effectively used to improve decision-making, strengthen health systems and enhance public health outcomes.

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Policy

One of the central themes of the webinar was the persistent challenge of translating scientific evidence into public policy.

Despite significant investments in health research worldwide, experts noted that valuable findings often fail to influence policy decisions due to gaps between researchers, policymakers and practitioners. These disconnects can result in missed opportunities to improve healthcare delivery, strengthen health systems and respond more effectively to emerging health challenges.

Participants emphasized that producing research alone is not enough. Evidence must be communicated effectively, adapted to local contexts and integrated into decision-making processes if it is to have a meaningful impact on population health.

The webinar reinforced the importance of knowledge translation—the process of moving research findings into policy and practice—as a critical component of modern health governance.

A Global Research Agenda for Better Decision-Making

The WHO Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation and Evidence-Informed Policy-Making was developed between 2023 and 2025 through extensive collaboration involving more than 130 experts from nearly 40 countries.

The agenda identifies 19 cross-sectoral research priorities aimed at improving how evidence is generated, communicated and used in policymaking. It seeks to address longstanding barriers that prevent research from effectively informing health decisions and public policy development.

By establishing a shared framework, the agenda provides governments, researchers and development partners with guidance on where future research efforts should be focused to maximize their policy relevance and practical impact.

The initiative reflects WHO’s broader commitment to strengthening evidence-based decision-making and ensuring that health policies are grounded in the best available scientific knowledge.

Local Context Matters

A recurring message throughout the webinar was that global priorities must be adapted to local needs and circumstances.

Experts stressed that research agendas can only be successful if they are implemented in ways that reflect the realities of specific countries, communities and health systems. Factors such as economic conditions, political environments, institutional capacities and cultural contexts all influence how evidence can be applied effectively.

Participants noted that a "one-size-fits-all" approach is unlikely to succeed. Instead, countries must tailor global research priorities to address their unique health challenges and policy objectives.

This emphasis on contextualization reflects a growing understanding that local ownership is essential for sustainable implementation and long-term impact.

From Global Priorities to National Strategies

Brazil’s experience provided a practical example of how countries can use global frameworks to shape national research agendas.

Representatives from Brazil’s Ministry of Health described a structured process through which the country is integrating the WHO agenda into its own priority-setting mechanisms. By systematically identifying and ranking research needs, policymakers aim to ensure that limited resources are directed toward studies that can generate the greatest public health benefit.

The approach helps align research investments with national health priorities while promoting evidence-informed decision-making across different areas of the healthcare system.

Brazil’s experience was highlighted as an example of how countries can adapt global guidance while maintaining focus on local policy needs and development objectives.

Lessons from Health, Migration and Displacement

The webinar also explored lessons learned from WHO’s work on health, migration and displacement—areas where adapting global priorities to local realities is particularly important.

Experts emphasized that successful implementation requires strong local demand, meaningful stakeholder participation and integration into existing institutional structures. Research priorities are more likely to influence policy when they are developed collaboratively and reflect the concerns of affected communities.

Experience from migration and displacement settings has shown that engaging diverse stakeholders—including government agencies, healthcare providers, researchers, civil society organizations and affected populations—can significantly improve the relevance and uptake of research findings.

These lessons are increasingly being applied across other areas of health policy and systems research.

Importance of Sustained Funding and Follow-Up

Participants repeatedly stressed that implementation requires more than good ideas and well-designed frameworks.

Without adequate funding, technical support and long-term follow-up, even the most carefully developed research agendas may fail to achieve meaningful impact. Sustainable investment is therefore essential for supporting research activities, building institutional capacity and ensuring that findings are translated into practical action.

Experts noted that many countries face resource constraints that limit their ability to conduct policy-relevant research or implement evidence-based reforms.

Strengthening partnerships between governments, academic institutions, international organizations and funding agencies was identified as a key strategy for addressing these challenges.

Collaboration Across Sectors is Essential

The webinar underscored the need for stronger collaboration between academia, policymakers and practitioners.

Researchers often generate valuable evidence but may have limited opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers. At the same time, policymakers may face challenges accessing or interpreting scientific findings in ways that support timely action.

Bringing these groups together can help ensure that research addresses real-world policy questions and that evidence is presented in formats that support practical decision-making.

Participants emphasized that effective knowledge translation requires ongoing dialogue, mutual understanding and shared commitment across sectors.

Such collaboration can strengthen health systems by ensuring that policies are informed by reliable evidence and adapted to emerging challenges.

New Opportunities for Research and Innovation

The webinar also highlighted a special issue of the journal Health Research Policy and Systems focused on advancing research prioritization, monitoring, evaluation and implementation strategies.

The publication invites contributions from researchers and practitioners working on innovative approaches to setting research priorities and translating evidence into action. Submissions are open until 8 July, providing an opportunity to share experiences, methodologies and lessons learned from diverse settings.

Experts hope that the collection will contribute to a growing body of knowledge on how research agendas can be developed and implemented more effectively.

The initiative also reflects increasing interest in understanding not only what research should be conducted, but also how research can influence policy and practice.

Supporting Stronger Health Systems Through Evidence

WHO’s efforts to promote the Global Research Agenda are part of a broader strategy to strengthen health systems through evidence-informed policymaking.

In an era marked by complex health challenges—including pandemics, climate-related health risks, demographic changes and health inequities—access to reliable evidence has become more important than ever.

Effective policies require accurate data, robust research and mechanisms that ensure scientific knowledge informs decision-making at all levels.

By supporting countries in adapting research priorities to their specific contexts, WHO aims to improve the relevance and impact of health research while fostering more resilient and responsive health systems.

Turning Knowledge into Action

The webinar concluded with a clear message: research agendas achieve their greatest value when they lead to concrete action.

Developing global priorities is an important first step, but meaningful progress depends on how those priorities are implemented, adapted and sustained at regional and national levels. Success requires collaboration, investment, local leadership and a commitment to using evidence to improve health outcomes.

As countries continue to navigate increasingly complex public health challenges, the ability to translate research into policy will remain a critical factor in strengthening healthcare systems and advancing population well-being.

Through initiatives such as the Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation and Evidence-Informed Policy-Making, WHO is helping build the foundations for a future in which scientific evidence plays a central role in shaping effective, equitable and sustainable health policies worldwide.