Local knowledge: research capacity building in international health

Area of Science:

• International health research
• Medical anthropology
• Capacity building

Background:

• International health projects require robust research capacity.
• Training in interdisciplinary methods is crucial for effective research.
• The role of local knowledge in health research is often underestimated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine research capacity building processes in international health.
• To analyze the implications of these processes for anthropology.
• To understand how interdisciplinary training shapes researchers' perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Case study of the Applied Diarrheal Disease Research project.
• Analysis of training in qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Exploration of researchers' local knowledge and policy relevance.

Main Results:

• Interdisciplinary training influenced researchers' engagement with health research culture.
• Researchers' local knowledge and policy concerns fostered interest in anthropology.
• Capacity building efforts can integrate anthropological perspectives.

Conclusions:

• Research capacity building in international health benefits from anthropological insights.
• Anthropology can be a valuable component in future international health research training.
• Integrating local knowledge enhances the policy relevance of health research.