Funders: The missing link in equitable global health research?

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Health Research Funding
• Health Equity

Background:

• Global health research faces significant inequities, often stemming from current funding models.
• Power and resource imbalances between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) marginalize LMIC researchers in setting research agendas.
• LMIC governments often have limited financial investment in health research relative to their needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the role of funders and donors in achieving greater equity in global health research.
• To explore mechanisms for shifting power imbalances in global health research funding.
• To advocate for increased direct investment in LMIC researchers and local knowledge infrastructures.

Main Methods:

• This article is a conceptual piece, outlining a framework for discussion.
• It synthesizes existing knowledge on global health research funding inequities.
• It proposes a participatory approach involving funders and donors in shaping equitable funding strategies.

Main Results:

• Current funding approaches often fail to center LMIC researchers and priorities.
• Direct funding to LMIC researchers and local knowledge infrastructures can promote self-sufficiency and reduce power imbalances.
• Involving funders and donors in dialogue is essential for creating a new, equitable funding paradigm.

Conclusions:

• Addressing inequities in global health research requires a fundamental shift in funding approaches.
• Funders and donors in HICs have a critical role in promoting equity through direct support and capacity building in LMICs.
• Collaborative dialogue among all stakeholders, including funders, is necessary to reshape global health research funding for greater equity.