Stakeholder engagement champions: a locally-driven model for building impactful and sustainable relationships in global health research

Stakeholder engagement is increasingly required by global health funders as a means to enhance research impact and bridge the gap between knowledge generation and its application in local health systems. However, global health researchers often face structural and operational barriers that limit meaningful stakeholder engagement. We present a practical model developed by a global respiratory health research programme implemented in four low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) - Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, and Pakistan. The model centred on designating in-country stakeholder engagement champions - locally based professionals with strong communication skills and contextual understanding of the health system and stakeholders. These champions were supported through mentorship, peer exchange, and capacity-building activities delivered by a central community and stakeholder engagement platform comprising experts and researchers. The champions had autonomy to design context-specific engagement strategies, allocate resources, and lead interactions with stakeholders throughout the research lifecycle. This decentralised approach enabled tailored engagement, fostered south-south learning, and created leadership opportunities for LMIC researchers. Despite successes, challenges included managing power imbalances, limited institutional capacity, and increased workloads. The model offers a promising approach for advancing equitable partnerships and local leadership in global health research, aligning with broader efforts to decolonise global health and promote meaningful, context-driven stakeholder engagement.