Microresearch: Borrowing From The Microfinance Experience - CMAJ Editorial

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 26 Aug 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Small-scale health research studies in countries like Uganda would benefit from funding through a microfinancing model, similar to the microcredit model used in developing countries to foster small businesses and entrepreneurialism, write Drs. Noni MacDonald and Jerome Kabakyenga for the CMAJ editorial team.

Microcredit is the concept developed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammed Yunus who revolutionized financing for the poor in many developing countries. A microresearch model would offer small grants to people who would not have access to research funding and allow the development of local research networks to share knowledge, and develop and apply best practices to improve health.

The authors call for a start-up fund of $20 to $30 million to be distributed to developing countries and managed by local universities.

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