Date of Award

January 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Kristina Talbert-Slagle

Abstract

Evidence-based decision-making in health policy is a systematic and transparent approach to policymaking and program design using research evidence and other similar sources. It is essential for developing effective health policies and ensuring that programs align with political priorities and community needs and have strong empirical support for their efficacy and impact. Global health agencies like the World Health Organization and the West African Health Organization have developed guidelines for evidence-based decision-making in health for organizations to use as guiding tools in their policymaking. Regardless, there is still a gap in applying research evidence to practice programs for many countries due to barriers such as limited access to and insufficient capacity to analyze, interpret, and use evidence for policy and programs.

In Liberia, a mixed-methods needs assessment surveyed 39 health policymakers at diverse levels of government to identify competency gaps in evidence-based policymaking and context-specific ways to build capacity. Results of the assessment revealed that while most agreed that policies in Liberia are developed considering research evidence, there is a lack of consistent review of local data and incorporation of the views of the target population in policy formulation. About 49% of respondents expressed high confidence in interpreting results from scientific articles. Yet nearly all respondents showed a strong interest in identifying scientific papers pertinent to their policy development and learning how to use data for policymaking.

This paper presents a case study on the Certificate for Evidence-Based Health Policy, an executive education program housed at the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences, developed to address Liberian policymakers’ needs and interests in Evidence-Based Policymaking. Born out of a partnership with universities in the United States, the Ministry of Health in Liberia, and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, the executive education certificate course aims to equip current Liberian health policymakers with the knowledge and skills to effectively interpret, apply, and communicate research-informed decisions in health policy. After two cohorts, the certificate has presented a model for capacity building for research use through a university-government partnership.

Comments

This thesis is restricted to Yale network users only. It will be made publicly available on 06/16/2026

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