ACTION on health research evidence in Fiji is failing to gain momentum because findings are often not presented in ways that show clear practical benefits for decision-makers.
This was highlighted by Fiji National University Research Coordinator Dr Kesaia Nawaqaliva during the Final Dissemination Seminar for the Project for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases Phase Two.
Dr Nawaqaliva said research evidence must be aligned with national governance priorities for it to influence policy effectively.
“I think evidence generated for policy needs to be relevant and aligned to the governance of the country’s needs,” she said.
In Pacific Island Countries, she said, research must also be designed, co-produced, or co-owned by decision-makers in order to translate into multi-sectoral policies.
Dr Nawaqaliva said regional mechanisms that respect Pacific cultural contexts are essential when translating research into policy action.
“Fiji already has credible and locally grounded evidence, including ongoing non-communicable disease (NCD) surveillance.
“We’ve just completed the STEP survey and the evaluation of the programs in the country.”
However, she stressed that research-based findings must be packaged in ways that allow decision-makers to act on them.
According to Dr Nawaqaliva, highlighting broader co-benefits, such as improved economic productivity and urban development, can help research resonate with sectors outside health.
“Urban planning initiatives like green spaces, for example, encourages walking and physical activity and that is linked directly to health outcomes with development goals.
“So Pacific countries also must be able to develop and use their own evidence that reflects their local realities.
“And also multi-sectoral action shared as an adaptable action rather than a fixed solution.”
