Building Collaborative Partnerships and Effective Communication play key roles in GRIPP

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Category: Building Collaborative Partnerships and Effective Communication play key roles in GRIPP

Published on Tuesday, 25 February 2025 12:49

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Building Collaborative Partnerships and Effective Communication play key roles in GRIPP

A two-days (20 & 21 February, 2025) Annual International Research Conference hosted by Wallaga University under the theme: ''Getting Research into Practice and Policy (GRIPP): Innovations and Technologies in Fostering a Health System'' successfully completed. The conference was organized by Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer Office, WU, in Collaboration with Institute of Health Sciences (IHS), WU, and attended by invited guests from Federal, Regional State, Universities, Zonal, and District levels working on Health related matters, the University management, WUCSH and HIS staffs and students.

Prof. Zeleke Mekonnen addressed a keynote speech on a Topic: ''Bridging the Gap: Translating Research into Policy and Practice for Impact” in which he spoke about how to connect the health system actors (the researchers, practitioners and the policy makers). Researchers generate knowledge through systematic inquiry, Policymakers utilize this knowledge to develop regulations & guidelines, and Practitioners implement these policies in real-world settings but navigating this landscape requires understanding the priorities, constraints, & communication styles of each stakeholder group, he underscored. According Professor Zeleke, the Research-Policy-Practice divide often stems from differing priorities such as research focuses on discovery and rigor/novelty whereas Policy and practice prioritize immediate solutions, and this misalignment creates a significant gap. Hence, He noted that each of these key stakeholders (researchers, policymakers, and practitioners) play a critical role in translating research policy and policy into practice when researchers provide evidence and data, policymakers create frameworks and laws, and practitioners implement real-world solutions.

Lack of communication between researchers and policymakers, conflicting priorities, and a shortage of resources for knowledge translation activities impede the effective translation of research into policy& practice, hence, overcoming these challenges requires a concerted effort to foster collaboration, build trust, and develop communication strategies tailored to diverse audiences.

The key is to tailor messages to resonate with diverse audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, & the general public, researchers must move beyond academic jargon & present their findings in a clear, concise, & accessible manner (for instance, Visual aids, Storytelling), for policymakers, it is crucial to provide concise summaries of key findings, along with policy recommendations that are feasible & aligned with their priorities, and for practitioners, it is important to provide practical guidance on how to implement research-based interventions & to address potential barriers to adoption. Building trust & establishing strong relationships with key influencers can also facilitate the dissemination & uptake of research findings, he emphasized as a solution to connect gaps/disconnects the key stakeholders discussed.

Dr. Tesfaye Lemma, Acting President of Wallaga University has thanked Professor Zeleke Mekonnen for presenting excellent keynote paper and sharing his experience and wisdom with us on a very important and timely theme (making research relevant to policy and Practice). He appreciated and thanked Professor Zeleke for working with Wallaga University, specifically, IHS, to strengthen the Institution. Many individuals and groups have contributed towards the success of such excellent, scientific event, So, I would like to thank both the organizing and technical committee, as well as the leaders: Dr. Diriba Diba, (VPRTT, WU), Dr. Temesgen Tilahun (ECD, WUCSH), Dr. Tesfaye Shibiru, Dr. Dereje Chala, Dr. Meseret Belete, and all others who have been working for several weeks he said.

The president has also extended his gratitude to Prof. Vanessa (from Newcastle University, Australia) for presenting a keynote paper on a practical aspect of GRIPP, all paper presenters (both in person, & virtually) for making a significant contribution towards the success of the international conference. Stakeholders such as Oromia National Regional State Bureau of

Health, AHRI, EFDR_MOH, Zonal and District level Health Offices, community elders who have been presenting the local communities' concerns on the levels and quality of treatment they are receiving and commenting on the service delivery of health centers at all levels, without your active engagement and contribution the University cannot have such successful conference.

Thank You All!