摘要：Background Two major initiatives that were set up to support and co–ordinate global health research efforts have been largely discon- tinued in recent years: the Global Forum for Health Research and World Health Organization's Department for Research Policy and Co- operation. These developments provide an interesting case study into the factors that contribute to the sustainability of initiatives to sup- port and co–ordinate global health research in the 21st century. Methods We reviewed the history of attempts to govern, support or co–ordinate research in global health. Moreover, we studied the changes and shifts in funding flows attributed to global health re- search. This allowed us to map the structure of the global health re- search system, as it has evolved under the increased funding contri- butions of the past decade. Bearing in mind its structure, core functions and dynamic nature, we proposed a framework on how to effectively support the system to increase its efficiency. Results Based on our framework, which charted the structure and function of the global health research system and exposed places and roles for many stakeholders within the system, five basic needs emerged: (i) to co–ordinate funding among donors more effectively; (ii) to prioritize among many research ideas; (iii) to quickly recognize results of successful research; (iv) to ensure broad and rapid dissem- ination of results and their accessibility; and (v) to evaluate return on investments in health research.
