Translating one health research evidence into action: co-production of rabies control knowledge in Côte d'Ivoire

Translating research evidence into practice has become a priority for academics, funders and public institutions worldwide. However, many research projects still lack strategies and funds for policy-related research translation, innovation, dissemination and uptake activities. This study focuses on research evidence on rabies produced by Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire under GAVI's project. It aims to (i) identify the mechanism used by researchers to share evidence with practitioners, policy makers and local communities and to (ii) identify what facilitates research uptake.

A qualitative method was used to gather data from the producers (researchers) and users (policy-makers and community) of research from both the human and animal health sectors, and local community leaders, using semistructured interview guide and observation. Fifteen informants were selected using the snowball sampling technique and purposive selection from the GAVI's project team. The knowledge brokering theory was used to explain the translation of rabies research evidence into practice by understanding what facilitate the research uptake in pratical way. Thematic content analysis was used for the interpretation of data.

The main mechanisms mobilized to disseminate results were meeting platforms including workshops, trainings, and sensitizations during the annual WRD and written formats such as policy briefs, reports. The research findings lead to change or to have impact on actual practices, as some of the users associated with the research process hold high-ranking positions in human and animal health and this may facilitate research uptake in their sectors. Furthermore, sensitizations of local authorities and communities during the project cycle led to the creation of local intersectoral rabies committees that have had a direct impact on the increase of rabies reporting in the two regions with the highest prevalence of rabies in the country.

This paper highlights different strategies used to disseminate research evidence and shows the enabling factors of research evidence uptake at the policy-makers' level and community level. To achieve the 0 rabies target by 2030, science needs to be more closely involved in policy, through dialogue with other stakeholders such as the media. In this way, stakeholders can make better use of health research evidence to co-construct strategies for improving the fight against rabies.