Is Research Responding to Health Needs?

13 Pages Posted: 30 Jan 2018 Last revised: 26 Mar 2018

See all articles by Ismael Rafols

Ismael Rafols

Ingenio (CSIC-UPV), Universitat Politècnica de València; Leiden University - Centre for Science and Technology Studies; SPRU (Science Policy Research Unit), University of Sussex

Alfredo Yegros

Leiden University - Centre for Science and Technology Studies

Date Written: September 14, 2017

Abstract

Comparisons between R&D efforts and WHO estimates of health burden for a given disease suggest substantial misalignments, both at the global and local levels. Some diseases prevalent in low and middle income countries such as malaria or tuberculosis may deserve more R&D investment given their burden. This is also the case for health conditions such as depression or stroke that have a high disease burden in both high and low income countries, yet attract relatively little research. This type of comparative approach between health needs and R&D efforts can be useful when setting priorities in R&D investment. We propose that an appraisal process for health R&D should use more healthcare data to better understand health needs, and should conduct citizen engagement so as to take into account their views on the problems to be addressed and the strategies to tackle them.

Suggested Citation

Rafols, Ismael and Yegros, Alfredo, Is Research Responding to Health Needs? (September 14, 2017). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3106713 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3106713

Ismael Rafols (Contact Author)

Ingenio (CSIC-UPV), Universitat Politècnica de València ( email )

Camí de Vera s/n, Edif.8E, Univ.Politec.Valencia
València, País Valencià 46022
Spain

Leiden University - Centre for Science and Technology Studies ( email )

Leiden
Netherlands

SPRU (Science Policy Research Unit), University of Sussex ( email )

Brighton
United Kingdom

Alfredo Yegros

Leiden University - Centre for Science and Technology Studies ( email )

Leiden
Netherlands

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