Peer-learning and support among health policy and systems research actors in West Africa: a social network analysis
Findings reveal structural barriers that constrain WANEL's potential to act as an inclusive platform for HPSR capacity-strengthening. To fulfil its vision, the network must address its current fragmentation by building stronger cross-cutting ties, broadening participation and decentralizing influence. This study contributes empirical insights into the design and governance of regional HPSR networks in low- and middle-income contexts and underscores the importance of relational infrastructure in advancing collective capacity.
Authors
- Fadima Yaya Bocoum (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4872-1814)
- Uta Lehmann
- Irène Akua Agyepong (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0193-5882)
- Selina Defor
- Fidele Kanyimbu Mukinda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0764-6213)
- Ermel Johnson
Institutions
- South African Medical Research Council (ZA)
- Western Cape Department of Health (ZA)
- Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GH)
- African Field Epidemiology Network (UG)
- University of the Western Cape (ZA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Health Research Policy and Systems
- Published
- 2025-11-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-025-01417-6
- Primary Topic
- Global Health and Surgery
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- International Development Research Centre