About READ-It

Over the past 20 years there has been a concerted effort to use reliable evidence in making decisions about health care. READ-It aims to improve the evidence base and ensure its dissemination. READ-It helps ensure healthcare problems relevant to low- and middle-income countries are addressed, and that people living in these countries are part of the process. It is a major contributor to Cochrane, a global organization committed to preparing and updating systematic reviews, and coordinates the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group (CIDG) and assists Cochrane in developing methods and editorial processes. It also works closely with policy makers.

READ-It focuses on two main areas:

• Reliable, up-to-date, scientifically defensible and relevant evidence in malaria and tuberculosis, child health, maternal health and health systems.
• Effective dialogue and influence between research, policy and practice communities in public and private sector.

READ-It's activities include:

• Preparing and updating Cochrane Reviews about the effects of health care relevant to low- and middle-income countries.
• Identifying approaches to ensure dissemination and use of the results of systematic reviews in decision making.