Beyond knowledge transfer: integrating critical evaluation-knowledge translation framework for decolonising global...

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Health Systems Strengthening
• Knowledge Translation

Background:

• Capacity-building programs in low- and middle-income countries often prioritize technical knowledge transfer.
• These programs frequently overlook the crucial element of community ownership and participation.
• This gap limits the sustainability and local relevance of health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an integrated framework aligning knowledge translation with community ownership and balanced power.
• To reframe capacity-building programs as a governance of knowledge, power, and ownership.
• To provide actionable guidance for developing sustainable, locally led health systems.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual framework development.
• Literature review on knowledge translation and community participation.
• Analysis of power dynamics in health capacity building.

Main Results:

• An integrated framework is proposed to bridge the gap between technical knowledge transfer and community ownership.
• The framework emphasizes the governance of knowledge, power, and ownership within capacity-building initiatives.
• Actionable guidance is provided for practitioners and policymakers.

Conclusions:

• Effective capacity building requires more than just knowledge translation; it necessitates community ownership and balanced power.
• The proposed framework offers a pathway to more sustainable and equitable health systems.
• Integrating these principles can lead to locally driven and impactful health interventions.