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A recent essay published in PLOS MEDICINE explores the role of partnerships between researchers in high-income and those in low- and middle-income countries in Global Health research. Click here to read the article. Summary Points Global health has increased the number of high-income country (HIC) investigators conducting research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Partnerships with local collaborators rather than extractive research are needed. LMICs have to take an active role in leading or directing these research collaborations in order to maximize the benefits and minimize the harm of inherently inequitable relationships. This essay explores lessons from effective and equitable relationships that exist between African countries and HICs. The authors will be available to take questions on this publication from May 5th.

  • sudhapjay Sudha Jayaraman 9 May 2014

    When there is a collaboration across a HIC setting and an LMIC setting, there is inherently a power differential. How can policy-makers or LMIC investigators equalize the playing field?
    How should HIC investigators be limited or constrained to control the impact of the power differential?
    How can both LMIC and HIC investigators make sure that the combination of power differential, cultural differences and eagerness to address acute resource constraints are well-balanced to achieve the maximum benefit?
    When there are so many HIC institutions who are interested in working in one setting, whose responsibility is it to control and coordinate them to maximize efficiency and effectiveness and decrease redundancy and duplication?

    No matter what field or project, these are some questions that every partnership has to think about. How have TGHN participants addressed these issues in their work? What are some strategies that have really worked to make collaborations more effective?