59 countries sign Call to Action in Bamako

The Call to Action reflects a shift to a broader-based intersectoral approach to research for health, linking it more closely with research on education, food, water and agriculture.

The ministers and representatives of ministries of health, science and technology, education, foreign affairs and international cooperation from 59 countries adopted a Call to Action on 19 November at the Global Ministerial Forum on Research for Health, hosted by the Government of Mali in Bamako. The signatories call upon national governments to allocate at least 2% of budgets of ministries of health to research.

In parallel, funders of research and innovation, together with international development agencies, are urged to invest at least 5% of development assistance funds earmarked for the health sector in research, according to country-led research strategies.  It also proposes paths for reducing health inequities.

Related links:
::  Bamako Call to Action (More)
::  Background to Forum (More)

• Source:UNESCO SC
• 24-11-2008