CPI Helps Build Research Capacity for Public Health and Social Welfare in Myanmar

As Myanmar continues to implement challenging reforms in public health and social services, there is a pressing need to develop research expertise and generate the evidence base to guide and inform effective decision-making, service planning and implementation. To highlight the need for and help strengthen qualitative research capacity, Community Partners International (CPI) organized a three-day research training workshop in Nay Pyi Taw from November 6 to 8, 2018, attended by 32 representatives from the Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports (MoHS) Health Literacy Promotion Unit (HLPU), the Department of Social Welfare (DSW), PhD students from the University of Public Health (UPH) in Yangon and CPI staff.

The workshop, entitled ‘Basics of Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis Methods’ was facilitated by CPI consultant Dr. U Than Tun Sein with support from CPI staff. Participants explored key data collection and analysis methods and approaches including observation, interviews and focus group discussions, note taking and transcript writing, basic analysis, sampling, and case study methods. The workshop incorporated practical sessions including simulated focus group discussions to help participants become proficient in these techniques and approaches. Participants were also introduced to qualitative data analysis (QDA) software applications.

This workshop is the first in a series that CPI is organizing to support the HLPU and DSW to strengthen their research capacity and support engagement in collaborative research projects to develop a deeper understanding needs and priorities for public health and social services in Myanmar. CPI is planning to conduct a follow-on workshop in the near future to explore the development of research proposals and the implementation of research projects.

These activities form part of CPI’s broader mission to strengthen and support cooperation between government and ethnic health systems in Myanmar.