Health Research Capacity Strengthening Initiative

Malawi , 2008 - 2011

Led by the National Research Council of Malawi (NRCM), the Health Research Capacity Strengthening Initiative (HRCSI) is a 5 year £10 million programme, supported by the Wellcome Trust, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the International Development Research Centre (Canada) and was developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health and the Government of Malawi.

The HRCSI aims to strengthen the capacity for the generation of new health research knowledge within Malawi and improve its use in evidence based decision making, policy formulation and implementation. In collaboration with national stakeholders, it aims to enhance institutional capacity for high-quality multi-disciplinary health research; promote the use of research in the formulation of national health policies and programmes; enhance dissemination of scientific knowledge in Malawi; and strengthen the regulation and coordination of the national research environment.

A consortium led by LATH and comprising the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Development Management Associates (DMA), a local management consulting firm, and Calcon a programme management consulting organisation, is managing a programme of work in support of the implementation of the HRCSI in Malawi. 

Representatives from each of these organisations make up the Technical Support Team (TST). The TST  sources and manages technical assistance (TA) expertise to develop the NRCM’s capacity to manage an enhanced, transparent and efficient grant-making process. It provides ‘incubation support’ and manages funds initially on behalf of the HRCSI, including disbursement of funds to implementing organisations. The TST also provides management and local financial oversight, to strengthen the capacity of NRCM systems and capacity to the point where the support of LATH and partners is no longer required.

This contract is for 2.5 years with the possibility of a 6 month extension.

We are pleased to introduce the first quarterly newsletter of the Malawi Health Research Capacity Strengthening Initiative (HRCSI).

Click on the link below to access the newsletter 

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