Recommendations for Empowering Partners to Conduct Implementation Research in Latin America to Advance Global Health

Improving global health requires focus on the implementation of evidence-based interventions. Implementation science offers a systematic approach to increase the uptake and adoption of evidence-based practices into routine use. However, limited application of implementation science in Latin America has occurred, which prevents the advancement of public health in this region comprised of 20 diverse, high-need countries. Illustrated through exemplary studies, we outline five approaches to increase the success of facilitating implementation research in Latin America and potential outcomes on both local and global health. First, researchers pursuing implementation research should partner with researchers completing effectiveness research in the region. Second, researchers must engage key partners specific to the region (e.g., ministries of health). Third, targeted training in implementation science must be developed. Fourth, implementation science resources require translation into local languages (e.g., Spanish and Portuguese). Fifth, local partners should lead the adaptation and creation of implementation science resources. Strategic collaborations with researchers, community engagement, and increased access to training and tools will help partners in Latin America conduct implementation research to advance public health. Specifically, the application of implementation science in Latin America could address inequities in healthcare, experienced particularly by marginalized populations (e.g., indigenous people, migrants, and low-income populations), and could greatly reduce the burden of diseases that are prevalent in the region (e.g., neglected tropical diseases and malnutrition). Implementation science could empower the Latin American community to transform local public health and become equal partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, key targets for improving global health.