Why do we adapt guidelines?

Abstract Clinical and public health guidelines are essential tools for translating evidence into practice. Guidelines developed in one country or setting often reflect specific healthcare systems, population characteristics, resources, and cultural norms. So, what happens when those guidelines need to be used elsewhere? This presentation shortly explores the ‘why’ behind guideline adaptation-why it's not only useful, but essential. It will examine: the limitations of direct guideline transfer; the benefits of adaptation in improving relevance, feasibility, and acceptability; the role of adaptation in resource-limited or culturally distinct settings; how adaptation ensures equity, local ownership, and better implementation outcomes. The guideline adaptation process allows countries and regions to harness global best practices while shaping them to meet local needs, align with national priorities, and respect community values.