The research promotion and development programme promotes equitable health and health care through establishing sustainable health research systems and developing the necessary regional and national capacities for generation of appropriate knowledge, and its utilization towards improved health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

The objectives of the programme in the Region are to:

support and promote the development of research for health policies that foster strengthening of national health research systems

provide support and technical assistance to build capacities and resources for improved research for health conduct and its utilization

support research for health in priority areas of public health and develop effective mechanisms to disseminate and share knowledge and information

promote and advocate adherence to ethical practices, moral values and principles of equity and fairness in research for health

develop effective linkages and partnerships with international research for health agencies to augment regional research for health capability

identify new and emerging trends in research for health, knowledge generation and technology development that have a strong potential for improving health, and supporting their utilization to strengthen health systems

promote and collaborate in effective management of WHO collaborating centres.