Experiences of Research Coproduction in Uganda; Comment on “Research Coproduction: An Underused Pathway to Impact”

Document Type : Commentary

Authors

1 Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

2 Institute of Health and Allied Professions, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK

Abstract

This commentary reflects on the principles of research coproduction discussed by Rycroft-Malone et al through our experiences in Uganda, particularly within the partnership between Nottingham Trent University (UK) and Makerere University (Uganda). The commentary highlights the coproduction process we have employed in community health projects in Wakiso district, Uganda, by examining both the opportunities and challenges inherent in this collaborative approach. We further highlight the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement, context-specific communication, and power-sharing, demonstrating how research coproduction can decolonize research methodologies and enhance the relevance and impact of health interventions. By recognising the inequities between North-South partnerships, this commentary contributes to the discourse on how research coproduction can practically be implemented to drive meaningful, community-centred change while addressing the complexities involved. The lessons drawn from our experiences offer a pathway for other global partnerships aiming to integrate the principles of research coproduction into their work.

Keywords


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Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 10 November 2024
  • Receive Date: 15 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 03 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 09 November 2024
  • First Publish Date: 10 November 2024