Strengthening the HIV/AIDS service delivery system in Liberia: an international research capacity‐building strategy

Abstract

Liberia's prolonged post-conflict transition has negatively impacted its health infrastructure, including the functioning of its health care delivery system. Considering the current national health crises, a study was conducted to identify research gaps and the need to propose changes for improving the health care delivery system in the country. The study results clearly demonstrated a lack of HIV/AIDS research infrastructure including organizational structure, linkages, leadership, champions, expertise, resources, and policies and procedures. Alignment of research needs and practice, and research use to support HIV/AIDS service delivery programmes in the country was also limited. An international research capacity-building partnership is proposed as an effective planned change strategy to strengthen HIV/AIDS-related research infrastructure and to inform management and practice within the Liberian HIV/AIDS service delivery system. A proposed capacity-building planning model can also strengthen research infrastructure and the production and use of research to positively impact the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Liberia and other developing countries.

Experiences and acceptance of intimate partner violence: associations with sexually transmitted infection symptoms and ability to negotiate sexual safety among young Liberian women

“…The psychological impact of the Liberian conflict is relevant to sexual health promotion and risk reduction intervention efforts. Post-conflict conditions in Liberia, including extreme poverty, traumatic stress, substance abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, transactional sex, the lack of health infrastructure, and the lack of sexual health promotion and risk reduction prevention programming lend themselves to the persistence and possible expansion of HIV epidemic and other, adverse sexual health outcomes, particularly among youth (Cheng 2009; Johnson et al 2005; Kennedy et al 2004)…”

Research Capacity–Building Program for Clinicians and Staff at a Community-Based HIV Clinic in Uganda: A Pre/Post Evaluation

“…With regard to integrating evidenced-based practice during the training, case studies were used emphasizing the context of the HIV practice setting, thus supporting this principle in the model (Johnson et al, 2004). The research topics suggested by the trainees reflect the level of research competence achieved after the training and may corroborate trainees’ understanding of the link between research competence and improving quality HIV care outcomes.…”

HIV/STD Risk Behaviors Among In-School Adolescents in Post-conflict Liberia

“…Liberia is recovering from nearly 2 decades of political conflicts that severely damaged the economic, education, and health care sectors (Barbiero & Barh, 2007; Johnson et al, 2005; Kennedy et al, 2004; Kennedy et al, 2006; LDHS, 2007). As a consequence, significant proportions of adolescents and young people, especially females, engage in risky sexual behaviors (Save the Children, United Kingdom, 2006; UNICEF & the New African Research and Development Agency, 2005).…”