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Article published in : Journal of Epidemiol Community Health, September 2010, vol. 64, Suppl. 1 ; Historically, policy initiatives have made variable contributions to improvements in public health. Today there is a growing interest in translating evidence from health research into healthy public policy. Although research evidence may be a component of policy development, it is rarely enough, because policy makers are subject to a wide range of influences. Furthermore, researchers and policy makers usually work within different time frames and rules of evidence. There is a growing, albeit limited, literature on how researchers can most effectively engage with policy makers. Evidence suggests that more active and effective dialogue between researchers and policy makers is needed, in the formulation of research questions, presentation of evidence, and drafting and choice of policy options. Aim To develop, implement, and evaluate an interactive approach to informing policy for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. Setting This work is being undertaken in four eastern Mediterranean territories, known to have high burdens of CVD and diabetes: Palestine, Tunisia, Turkey and Syria. Methods and results Available epidemiological data are being identified, appraised and used to populate the IMPACT CHD Policy Model in order to examine CHD trends. Two corresponding epidemiological models have been developed to examine trends in type 2 diabetes and ischaemic stroke. An intensive review of the literature and consultation assists in the identification of efficacious policy interventions. A situation analysis is being undertaken within each country using mixed methods, which include: key informant and in depth interviews, document reviews, and participant observation. Its aim is to review current policy (stated and implemented), perceived facilitators and barriers to policy change, including health beliefs, and aspects of the health system. Policy makers are explicitly involved as key informants, participants, advisors and "lobbyists". The epidemiological modelling, evidence based reviews, and situation analyses are together being used to generate diverse policy

Article published in online journal : Global Health Action : 2019, vol. 12, 1569838 ; ABSTRACT Background: This paper examines one EC-funded multinational project (RESCAP-MED), with a focus on research capacity building (RCB) concerning non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Mediterranean Middle East and North Africa. By the project's end (2015), the entire region was engulfed in crisis. Objective: Designed before this crisis developed in 2011, the primary purpose of RESCAPMED was to foster methodological skills needed to conduct multi-disciplinary research on NCDs and their social determinants. RESCAP-MED also sought to consolidate regional networks for future collaboration, and to boost existing regional policy engagement in the region on the NCD challenge. This analysis examines the scope and sustainability of RCB conducted in a context of intensifying political turmoil. Methods: RESCAP-MED linked two sets of activities. The first was a framework for training early- and mid-career researchers through discipline-based and writing workshops, plus short fellowships for sustained mentoring. The second integrated public-facing activities designed to raise the profile of the NCD burden in the region, and its implications for policymakers at national level. Key to this were two conferences to showcase regional research on NCDs, and the development of an e-learning resource (NETPH). Results: Seven discipline-based workshops (with 113 participants) and 6 workshops to develop writing skills (84 participants) were held, with 18 fellowship visits. The 2 symposia in Istanbul and Beirut attracted 280 participants. Yet the developing political crisis tagged each activity with a series of logistical challenges, none of which was initially envisaged. The immediacy of the crisis inevitably deflected from policy attention to the challenges of NCDs. Conclusions: This programme to strengthen research capacity for one priority area of global public health took place as a narrow window of political opportunity was closing. The key lessons concern issues of sustainability and the paramount importance of responsively shaping a context-driven RCB.