The 10/90 gap and deficient research coordination in developing countries: Case study of Mongolia and Mozambique

In developing countries, there is a lack of coordination among research groups resulting in insufficient harmonization of research projects. This leads to duplicated and neglected areas of research. This paper will discuss the 10/90 gap and apply it to case studies from Mongolia and Mozambique to illustrate the general public health research situation in developing countries and the effects of inadequate research coordination. The major problem for Mongolia is that there is no efficient network for research coordination. In Mozambique, the major problem is that there is an overall lack of demand for research by policy makers resulting in uncoordinated research without benefits for the population. If research coordination is improved in developing countries, the efficiency and efficacy of research will increase and better policies can be developed. Ultimately, effective strengthening of national health research systems will improve the health of the population.