The Centre for Policy, Systems and Implementation Research focuses on understanding how public health interventions perform within real-world health systems and how scientific evidence can be translated into effective policy and programme decisions.
The Centre plays a critical role in bridging the gap between evidence generation and implementation, ensuring that research findings inform decision-making, improve programme delivery, and support sustainable health systems across Africa.
Mandate
The mandate of the Centre for Policy, Systems and Implementation Research is to generate policy-relevant knowledge that strengthens health systems, improves intervention delivery, and supports evidence-informed decision-making.
The Centre evaluates not only whether interventions work, but how, why, and under what conditions they achieve impact when implemented at scale.
Scope of Work
The Centre undertakes applied and implementation-focused research to support national programmes, policymakers, and partners in optimising public health interventions.
Core areas of work include:
- Health policy and systems research
- Economic evaluation and financing analysis
- Implementation research and programme evaluation
- Evidence translation and stakeholder engagement
Research activities are designed to inform practical decisions on intervention selection, delivery strategies, resource allocation, and scale-up.
Research Units within the Centre
Health Policy & Economics Unit
Supporting Evidence-Informed Decision-Making
The Health Policy & Economics Unit provides analytical and economic evidence to support strategic decision-making in public health.
Key functions include:
- Health policy and systems research
- Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses
- Budget impact and affordability assessments
- Health financing and sustainability analyses
- Development of policy briefs, technical notes, and decision tools
- Engagement with policymakers, programme managers, and partners
The Unit supports prioritisation of interventions and efficient use of limited resources by linking scientific evidence to economic and policy considerations.
Implementation & Evaluation Unit
Understanding How Interventions Perform at Scale
The Implementation & Evaluation Unit focuses on assessing the design, delivery, effectiveness, and scalability of complex health interventions in real-world settings.
Key functions include:
- Implementation research and hybrid effectiveness–implementation studies
- Process, outcome, and impact evaluations
- Mixed-methods research integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches
- Development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks
- Learning, adaptation, and scale-up support
The Unit generates practical insights to improve programme design, delivery, and sustainability across diverse contexts.
Research Methods and Approaches
The Centre applies a range of methodological approaches to capture the complexity of health systems and intervention delivery, including:
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Mixed-methods and participatory approaches
- Policy analysis and stakeholder mapping
- Economic modelling and financial analysis
- Embedded research within programmes
These approaches ensure that findings are context-specific, actionable, and relevant to decision-makers.
Contribution to Policy and Practice
The Centre for Policy, Systems and Implementation Research actively supports evidence-to-action pathways by:
- Working closely with national disease control programmes
- Engaging policymakers throughout the research process
- Translating findings into policy-relevant products
- Supporting adaptation and scale-up of effective interventions
By embedding research within programmes and policy processes, the Centre ensures that evidence contributes directly to improved public health outcomes.
Cross-Cutting Themes
The Centre integrates AIRID’s cross-cutting themes across all its activities, including:
- Equity, gender, and social inclusion
- Ethics, safeguarding, and community engagement
- Capacity strengthening and institutional learning
- Knowledge translation and policy engagement
These themes ensure that research is inclusive, ethical, and aligned with broader health system goals.
Ethics, Quality, and Governance
All research conducted by the Centre adheres to approved protocols and complies with national and international ethical and regulatory standards. Strong governance, quality assurance, and reporting systems ensure accountability, scientific integrity, and alignment with AIRID’s institutional objectives.
Leadership and Collaboration
The Centre is led by a Centre Director and supported by Unit Heads, working closely with other AIRID Research Centres to promote multidisciplinary collaboration. This integrated structure allows policy, systems, and implementation research to be closely linked with biological, clinical, and analytical evidence across the Institute.
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