Research collaboration with low resource countries: Overcoming the challenges

Abstract

The gap in research capacity between low and high resource countries and the effect on the global trend of health research cannot be ignored any more. Therefore the need for research collaboration between the two groups cannot be overemphasized. The discrepancy of economies makes for differences in research capacity, psychosocial needs, ethical considerations, focus and challenges. For such collaboration to work out, every collaborator needs to be aware of these challenges and work with them. Collaborations with low resource countries will require transparency, mutual respect and respect for social norms. Collaborations should no longer be that of taker or master, but of cooperation. The dearth of adequate research manpower and well equipped laboratories in low resource countries calls for a deliberate effort by strong research centers to go a step further in collaboration and adopt a centre or laboratory. © 2011 Akinremi; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.