Table 1 Example of using a common framework based on ‘phases’ of progress to systematically compare case studies of sustainable capacity strengthening programmes[11]

To promote generation of local evidence to improve health care

To scale up access to HIV counselling and testing in primary health care centres

To develop evidence on equity, poverty and access to TB services in Malawi.

To understand the health needs of the community and develop context specific responses

Improve ability of teaching hospital to sustainably deliver and manage research skills course to UK standards without external resources

Improve ability of health care facility teams to deliver quality assured HIV counselling and testing and contribute to research findings

To build research skills in equity analysis and multi-method research to develop policy-relevant research

To provide training in community health grounded in context for different cadres

LSTM and KATH/KNUST jointly commit funds to improve capacity for conducting and using research Framework for monitoring progress developed

High HIV care burden in health care facilities with little knowledge of HIV status Recognition of lack of evidence about feasibility of this approach

Recognised need for operational research to guide NTP priorities Collaboration between NTP, LSTM and University of Malawi Obtained project funding

Recognised need for research, training and infrastructure development appropriate for rural, conflict/post-conflict DRC.

Started 2002 0-12

Started 2001 0-18

Started 1999 0-1

Started 1992 0-36

UK off-site Diploma (DPDM) established in Ghana for all KATH health professionals Institutional research support services increased (e.g. internet access, research office established, earmarked local project funds); creation of faculty team

33 primary health facilities provide counselling and testing Kenyan NGO (LVCT) established for technical assistance to government to achieve scale up

Research findings inform Kenyan guidelines and training

Studies conducted and fed into NTP policy and practice through Technical Working Groups

First round of staff get Masters by Research from University of Malawi

IPASC is launched First graduates get degrees IPASC staff trained at LSTM on masters and PhD programmes

9-36

12-36

12-24

24-108

Sustainable funding from MoH KATH fund quality assurance by LSTM

Faculty for DPDM established with dedicated administration team

First paper published by DPDM graduate

NGO expands to incorporate other post rape care, services for the disabled and for vulnerable groups

Range of donors broadened and core funds increased First papers published

New staff recruited and research portfolio broadens to include HIV.

Range of donors broadens and includes MoH funding

Malawian director appointed; technical assistance from LSTM Malawian first author papers published

New courses established Range of donors broadened Became part of the EQUINET network

Obtained funding to expand research

DRC first author paper published

24-60

30-72

40-60

108-192

DPDM run entirely by KATH tutors; LSTM monitor quality Research results fed into clinical audit cycles

Grants obtained with local researchers as lead

DPDM expanded to second institution

Further publications from DPDM graduates

Kenyan-run NGO with links to LSTM through Board of Trustees and collaborative research projects

Over 500 HIV counselling and testing sites established Programme twinned with other countries in SSA.

Research findings incorporated in international policy

REACH Trust - Independent Malawian research Trust established with Board of Trustees and Malawian Director

Diverse funding and research portfolio.

Ongoing advocacy with MoH and policy contributions.

Fully DRC run with global links to funders and academics

48-84

6-120

60-120

12-192