Experiences of Research Coproduction in Uganda Comment on "Research Coproduction: An Underused Pathway to Impact"

Int J Health Policy Manag. 2024 Nov 20. doi: 10.34172/ijhpm.8806. Online ahead of print.

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, contextspecific 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: Coproduction; Equitable Partnerships; North-South Collaboration; Research; UK; Uganda.