Seeking research questions from implementers: considerations for leveraging ground actors research needs in the fight against malaria in West Africa

Abstract Background To strengthen the fight against malaria, it is imperative to identify weaknesses and possible solutions in order improve programmes implementation. This study reports experiences gained from collaboration between decision-makers researchers a World Bank project (Malaria Neglected Tropical Diseases Sahel, SM/NTD). The objectives of this paper were bottlenecks malaria programme implementation as well related research questions they bring up. Methods Questionnaire addressed National Malaria Control Programme managers prioritization workshops used medium questions. identified seven thematic areas namely governance, human resources, drugs, service provision, use prevention methods, monitoring evaluation (M E), public support or buy-in. first five priority were: (1) compliance with drug doses on second third days during seasonal chemoprevention (SMC) campaigns, (2) contribution community-based distributors management severe cases children under 5 years, (3) SMC efficacy, (4) artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) tolerance efficacy according existing guidelines, (5) quality control at all levels health system. Results conclusion work showed effectiveness implementers, managers, identifying responses these may contribute improving across African countries.