Research & Surveys

"Evidence can often be the best medicine".
- The Economist, August 17, 2002, p. 13.

Research is a critical component of the work we do at SHARED. We believe that for any project to be successful a solid understanding of the issues is essential. Research insights obtained through detail-oriented analysis of literature and other sources, survey work, focus groups and other methods, builds foundations for successful projects through objective, reliable facts and information.

Depending on the needs of the client, we can build teams of experts to develop and implement research projects, whether large or small, to ensure that the time and resources devoted to a program will be utilized effectively.

The results of research are reviewed and analyzed in order to recommendations to be made and a further plan of action developed. Based upon a foundation of information and knowledge, effective programs can be built.

Often times, budgets or time constraints tempt clients to leave out the research component of a project. Budgets are finite whether they are ample or woefully under funded. Doing the most with what is available is key to good business, especially in the delivery of essential medicines.

Look at this case in point:

An article appeared in the August 17, 2002 issue of The Economist entitled "For 80 cents more". The article describes how a small health budget can make a difference if spent well. It focuses on Tanzania where the average annual spending on health care is $8.00 per person. A test program was developed in one area where $2.00 per person would be added if the money was spent on a disease affecting the local population. No one had a clue as to which diseases caused the most illness. The project started with research consisting of an analysis of the local disease burden.

The analysis revealed that the money spent by the local health authority bore little relationship to the diseases afflicting the population. By coordinating the budget with the disease burden, no programs had to be cut and the system was only able to absorb 80 cents of the additional two dollars offered. The results were amazing - a rapid drop in infant mortality and an improvement in child survival rates. The article's conclusion? "And donors should pay heed that, while more money is certainly needed to tackle poor countries' health problems, how it is spent is more important than how much is spent".

This one example points out the importance of conducting research to understand the nature of the problem. The impact on the health and survival of people depends on it. Please contact us to discuss how SHARED can help your organization build a stronger foundation for success.