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Overview of HIU

The HITAP International Unit (HIU), established in 2013, focuses on supporting the use of evidence in health policy through capacity building, partnerships, and research on Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and health services. HIU’s work includes technical projects with country partners, managing networks and platforms for regional and global engagement, and coordinating internal operations to support these activities.

HTA and Health Service Research to Strengthen Capacity and Policy Translation

Overview: We collaborate with policymakers and stakeholders by conducting HTA and health service research to inform decision-making, focusing on capacity building and engaging with partners to strengthen the use of evidence in health policy and resource allocation.

Key Activities/Events (highlight previous and forthcoming)

  • Building capacity for HTA and health systems research through training, technical support, and practical engagement with regional and global partners to promote evidence-informed planning and decision-making processes.
  • Providing technical support to enhance the application of HTA and health systems research in policymaking, with a focus on improving efficiency, equity, and sustainability within health systems.
  • Supporting the contextual development and implementation of HTA processes, including contributing to the adaptation of guidelines, methods, and institutional frameworks that reflect national priorities and contexts.
  • Encouraging regional and global collaboration by facilitating the exchange of experiences, tools, and strategies that contribute to the development of resilient and learning health systems.
  • Participating in applied research projects and policy dialogues that explore how HTA can be better integrated into broader health system functions such as priority-setting, service delivery, and financing.

Strengthening Global Health Security Against Crises

Overview: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of multisectoral collaboration and evidence-informed decision-making in developing effective health policies and response measures. We support health security efforts by conducting policy-relevant research, synthesising evidence, and providing strategic insights to strengthen health systems and promote sustainable, equitable healthcare solutions.

Key Activities/Events:

  • Conducting research on international and regional disease prevention efforts, assessing immunisation policies, and providing technical support to strengthen regional coordination in health security.
  • Facilitating dialogue among experts and policymakers to support evidence-informed decision-making and enhance regional collaboration on health security.
  • Supporting the use of infectious disease modelling, analysing strategies for improving resource allocation, and contributing to the development of regional health security frameworks.
  • Addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through research, policy engagement, and harmonising infant immunisation schedules in ASEAN.
  • Promoting strategic purchasing and pooled procurement to improve health system resilience and sustainability.

Advancing Digital Health through Strategic Partnerships

Overview: HIU collaborates with partners to support the development of digital health policies through evidence generation, capacity-building, and stakeholder engagement. By facilitating knowledge exchange and supporting policy-relevant research, HIU aims to ensure the effective, sustainable, and equitable adoption of digital technologies in healthcare systems.

Key Activities/Events:

  • Collaborating with international and regional stakeholders, including the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (WHO-CCS), to develop robust and sustainable digital health policies that meet the unique needs of diverse healthcare systems.
  • Conducting landscape analyses of digital health policies and initiatives in countries such as South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the UK to identify trends and inform policy development.
  • Examining the adoption and implementation of telemedicine, developing frameworks to address challenges, understand usage patterns, and establish best practices for its integration into healthcare systems.
  • Supporting the design and implementation of innovative digital solutions, including vaccine supply chain management systems, to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility within health systems.
  • Exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare settings, including the development of AI-driven tools like vaccine chatbots and conducting situation analyses to evaluate AI’s potential in enhancing healthcare delivery.

Country Collaboration for Informed Health Decision-Making

Overview: Country partnerships are a core aspect of HIU’s work, supporting capacity-building, collaboration, and knowledge exchange with country partners. Through evidence synthesis and shared learning, HIU facilitates networks of international HTA practitioners to support the use of evidence in public health decision-making at both national and regional levels.

Key Activities/Events:

  • Facilitating research and capacity-building initiatives with HIU’s country partners in Asia and Africa to strengthen local health systems, enhance evidence-based policymaking, and integrate research into policy decisions.
  • Supporting the development of HTA guidelines and frameworks, ensuring standardised methodologies are adopted across countries to improve health decision-making.
  • Engaging with regional and international health systems to foster cross-learning, share experiences, and promote best practices that improve global health policy.
  • Encouraging a two-way exchange of knowledge to strengthen both HIU’s partners and its ability to adapt to evolving health challenges.

Producing Regional and Global Public Goods for Shared Benefit

Overview: HIU supports collaboration and knowledge exchange to strengthen health systems through regional networks, knowledge platforms, and capacity-building initiatives. By facilitating partnerships, supporting policy-relevant research, and promoting evidence dissemination, HIU facilitates access to health information and the application of evidence-based approaches in decision-making and policy development.

Key Activities/Events:

  • Advancing global health through shared knowledge by supporting regional and global platforms such as HTAsiaLink, SAPPHIRE, GEAR, and PMAC—fostering collaboration, addressing common policy challenges, building research capacity, and contributing to global health dialogue and evidence exchange.
  • Developing global public goods through the creation of articles, blogs, policy briefs, books, guidelines, and other knowledge products to support evidence-informed decision-making and strengthen health systems worldwide.
  • Translating research into actionable policy recommendations through publications, policy briefs, and presentations, enhancing the application of evidence-based decisions at regional and global forums.
  • Actively participating in international conferences and forums to share global public goods, including research findings, policy insights, and best practices in health.
  • Organising capacity-building workshops and training sessions focused on key areas of health policy, research methodologies, and health system management, equipping local researchers and policymakers with practical tools.