HTAi Developing Countries Interest Sub-group: Where are we and where do we go?

1. HTAi Developing Countries Interest Sub-group: Where are we and where do we go? Joseph L. Mathew Chair, HTAi ISG on Developing Countries

2. Why?

3. Health-care decisions in DCs

4. Outcome of this process

5. Challenges to HTA in developing countries • Lack of awareness, motivation, understanding • Scientific versus other considerations • Incorrect perception of Evidence-based medicine • Efficacy versus effectiveness • Transferability and applicability issues • Implementation- from research to practice • Regulation, monitoring, accountability

7. What? HTAi Developing Countries Interest Sub-Group: • Platform within HTAi • To discuss HTA needs, challenges & solutions • To facilitate development of people & systems, for evidence-informed decisions. • To facilitate people & systems, for adaptation/ development of HTA

8. How? • Discussion of DC considerations within HTAi. • Promoting (understanding of) concept of HTA. • Facilitating initiation of HTA (activities) in DCs. • Strengthening/refining existing HTA activities. • Promoting linkage between HTAi individuals and institutions in DC & developed countries. • Promoting linkage with international organizations and public/ private sector bodies in DCs.

9. Where are we? 1. Platform for discussion within HTAi • Pre/post-conference workshop at Annual Meeting. • Panel session(s) during the Annual Meeting. • Submit articles to the Journal on this theme. • Sharing ideas/ experiences on HTAi website. • Work with HTAi to conduct regional activities. • Explore feasibility of booth at Annual Meetings.

10. Where are we? 2. Promoting (understanding of) concept of HTA • Work with members in individual DCs, to understand their status of HTA and specific challenges. • Advocate HTA through: • scientific journals and lay press. • symposium/panel session/workshop at conferences. • awareness/ sensitization workshops for stakeholders • discussion with Government health-policy planners

11. Where are we? 3. Facilitating initiation of HTA activities in DCs. • Facilitate development of ‘critical mass’ of people • Identify & facilitate training of people to initiate HTA. • Identify individuals/ institutions to impart training. • Identify opportunities for twinning with agencies/ institutions/ departments in developed countries.

12. Where are we? 4. Strengthening & refining existing HTA activities • Determine ‘felt need’ of people working in/ with HTA. • Facilitate ongoing training to individuals/ organizations • Stimulate presentations/publications by collaborating with other HTA researchers/agencies • Share methodological, technical & policy issues plus questions, seeking assistance (trouble shooting forum).

13. Where are we ? 5. Promoting linkage between HTAi (individuals & institutions) in DC & developed countries. • Identify interested agencies/ institutions/ departments/ individuals in developed countries. • Explore feasibility of collaborative programme through INAHTA/ WHO/ etc for HTA in DCs

14. Where are we? 6. Promoting linkage with international orgs. and public/ private sector bodies in DCs. • Request support from international (WHO, INAHTA, INCLEN, WB) & regional bodies. • Request support from private sector & industry • Request joint projects, advocacy & fund-raising efforts, support & advice, consultancy & capacity building, and financial & material support.

15. Where are we? Generation of funds • Identify funding opportunities (WHO, DFID, WB, Gates Foundation) for collaborative projects. • Explore scope of seed-money from HTAi. • Identify/ tap interested agencies in developed countries. • Explore feasibility of funding from industry.

16. When? • Modest beginning at HTAi 2008, Montreal • Slow but sure progress being made.

17. Who? • 35 people from 18 countries • Of these, 13 from 7 developing countries • Current membership 46

18. Where do we go? Interest sub-group  Action group

19. www.htai.org htai.dc.isg@gmail.com