Publications

One of the five core functions of the World Health Organization (WHO) is shaping the research agenda and stimulating the generation, dissemination and application of knowledge. This function underscores the importance of knowledge for formulating health strategies at both the national and global levels for the efficient performance of health systems. WHO recognizes the importance of knowledge management methods and tools in the performance of this core function to improve effectiveness and efficiency. The WHO Regional Committee for Africa at its Fifty-sixth Session in 2006 adopted strategic directions and a related resolution on knowledge management (KM).1,2 The strategic directions seek to contribute to the improvement of health systems performance and health outcomes through effective KM in health. The resolution recognizes that KM is about providing the right knowledge for the right people (i.e. policy-makers, practitioners, health systems managers and the public) and in the right format to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes.