EIDM INNOVATION IN AFRICA #3 | Rapid Response Services for EIDM

Hosted by: Ismael Kawooya, The Centre for Rapid Evidence Synthesis

Evidence 2023 online programme slot: Day 1, slot 2: 16:15-17:00

The Rapid Response Service (RRS) at the Center for Rapid Evidence Synthesis (ACRES) is a knowledge translation mechanism that responds to policymakers’ needs for relevant and timely evidence in urgent situations or crises, whether real or perceived, usually within 28 days. The service is demand-driven, operating on co-production principles with policymakers working with the knowledge brokers from the initial contact when they have a policy query, all through clarification to understand the specific needs for evidence. At the beginning of the service, significant efforts are put into creating demand to increase its visibility to and encourage potential users to make contact with the service. In addition to the engagements with the policymakers, the service includes searching, synthesizing, reviewing, and summarising the evidence in an easy-to-read format. The RRS was piloted and proven feasible in 2010, targeting policymakers from the Ministry of Health. Over the last ten years, the RRS has significantly impacted some real policies, impacting people’s lives, e.g., increasing access to tuberculosis treatment and social policy on breastfeeding in the informal sector.  

Learn more on our website: https://acres.or.ug