Situational Assessment Checklist to Guide Implementation of the Global Strategy for Tuberculosis Research and Innovation

A situational assessment is an important step in national adaptation of a global strategy. Ideally, it is conducted as part of the planning cycle in implementation of the strategy and updated every few years. The checklist presented here is designed to support countries in planning their analyses according to their own contexts. While it sets out the key principles and recommendations to frame the situational assessment, it deliberately avoids being overly prescriptive, giving countries the space and flexibility to determine what is missing, what should be strengthened and the most feasible approaches to addressing pressing challenges. It consists of four topics aligned with the four objectives of the strategy to strengthen thematic analyses.

This tool is not designed for identifying or prioritizing research gaps but rather for improving policy and strategic decisions to enhance TB research on the four thematic areas (objectives) of the global strategy. For those interested in developing a research agenda, WHO has published a toolkit that provides guidance and allows sharing of best practices.