Using Evidence Portals to Promote Uptake of Evidence Policies in Basic Services

Summary

This paper explores the use of evidence portals to promote evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) in health and education policies in Cameroon, addressing gaps in access to research evidence and capacity building. The study involved central and decentralized policy makers, providing training and developing digital portals (www.ebmafrica.net for health and www.ebaselearning.org for education) to facilitate evidence uptake. The health portal supports clinical and policy decisions, while the education portal aids school-level interventions and planning. Impact was tracked through web traffic and stakeholder feedback, revealing increased evidence use in primary care and schools. Key lessons include the importance of stakeholder engagement, co-developing PICO questions, and establishing knowledge translation units for sustainability. Challenges include limited funding for rigorous evaluations, though the education portal has secured external support. The initiative highlights the potential of digital platforms to advance evidence-based policymaking in Africa.