Science-to-Policy; A Global Media Network Bridging North-South Divides

Wellcome's strategic focus on four themes: infectious disease; climate; mental health; and discovery research covers many of the gravest challenges facing low- and middle-income countries. Translating new knowledge into policy, however, remains challenging. There remains little investment, particularly in LMICs, in independent global health media to air discoveries, channel debates, and hold policymakers accountable. Health Policy Watch provides a platform for LMIC journalists to develop and share their stories, echoing in both global North and South, and building capacity of LMIC media professionals. A 2020-21 Wellcome Grant led to a two-fold increase in Health Policy Watch readership, including in major LMIC 'hubs', e.g. South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, India, Pakistan. This proposal aims at solidifying gains in a sustainable model focused on: 1. Reporting from Africa and Southeast Asia around Wellcome priorities - a) Tracking countries' action on health-relevant aspects of climate commitments and health co-benefits of sustainability in under-explored themes. b) LMIC challenges battling infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV2 in an equity & health systems lens; c) preventing new pandemics in a One- Health framework; d) African & Asian discovery research. 2. Sustainable media model - recruitment of other major donors; microfinance through targeted social media appeals, media collaborations and advertising.