Getting research into policy - Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) treatment and HIV infection: international guidelines formulation and the case of Ghana
2011

Getting HSV-2 Research into Policy: The Case of Ghana

Sample size: 19 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): H Burris, J Parkhurst, Y Adu-Sarkodie, P Mayaud

Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Hypothesis

How does research on HSV-2 influence policy formulation and transfer in Ghana?

Conclusion

Policy networks are crucial for driving change in HSV-2 treatment guidelines at both international and national levels.

Supporting Evidence

  • HSV-2 enhances the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission.
  • WHO modified treatment guidelines to include acyclovir based on HSV-2 prevalence.
  • Donor influence is a significant factor in national policy change.

Takeaway

This study shows that researchers and policy-makers need to work together to make sure that important health research leads to better treatment guidelines.

Methodology

Interviews were conducted with researchers, program managers, and policy-makers to evaluate the influence of HSV-2 research on policy.

Potential Biases

Potential bias from donor influence on policy priorities and the reliance on international research over local findings.

Limitations

The study may not fully capture the complexities of policy-making in all contexts due to its focus on specific case studies.

Participant Demographics

Participants included researchers, program managers, and policy-makers from international and national levels.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1478-4505-9-S5

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