The document outlines the role of a Policy Liaison Office (PLO) established to bridge the gap between public policy and research, covering its background, history, tasks, and tools used. It highlights initiatives aimed at collaboration with various government levels and stakeholders, including the development of a prevention research network. Challenges and successes are discussed, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and relationships with policy makers.

1. Bridging Policy & Research Mammusa Rantsoti-Lekoa Policy Liaison Officer

2. Outline Background Policy Defined History of Policy liaison PLO tasks Tools used Initiatives with Govt Departments New Initiatives Conclusion: Challenges, Successes

3. Background An evident gap between policy & research Policy Liaison Office(PLO) establishment to bridge the gap Assigned with specific tasks

4. Public Policy " The term public policy always refers to the actions of government and the intentions that determine those actions ". -Clarke E. Cochran, et al. " Public policy is the outcome of the struggle in government over who gets what ". -Clarke E. Cochran, et al. Public policy is " Whatever governments choose to do or not do ". -Thomas Dye " Public policy consists of political decisions for implementing programs to achieve societal goals ". -Charles L. Cochran and Eloise F. Malone " Stated most simply, public policy is the sum of government activities, whether acting directly or through agents, as it has an influence on the life of citizens ". -B. Guy Peters

5. Policy A policy is a deliberate plan of action to guide decisions and achieve rational outcome(s). The term may apply to government, private sector organizations and groups, and individuals Policy Maker : someone who decides what an organization's or government's policies will be

6. History of Policy Liaison Joint initiative between Africa Centre (AC) & Agincourt – grant applications & supervision Responsibilities Familiarise policy makers with data/information from the Centre relevant to their policy and programme needs Working with the Centre scientists to most effectively present data to policy makers and service providers

7. Cont.. Developing effective and enduring relationships with national, provincial and district governments as well as NGOs, civil society groups, international agencies and funding organisations Proactively promoting the policy influencing value of the Centre’s work with policy makers and programme leaders Responding swiftly and effectively to policy maker’s requests for information and data

8. Tools Scientific Meetings Policy Forums Seminars Policy Dialogues Workshops Others: Science open day, Gala Dinners,

9. Levels of Government Local level (Municipal level) District & Regional Provincial Level National Level Other stakeholders: NGO’s, civil societies,

10. Initiatives with Govt. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Department of Social Development (DSD) Invite other members of social cluster MoU with local Department of Health – ART programme

11. New initiatives Develop Prevention Research Network Researchers, Policy makers, lobbyists, professional organizations, media practitioners & other relevant stakeholders To achieve a common goal

12. Conclusion Successes Vertical Transmission Study Mortality decline from surveillance are (DSA) Challenges Busy schedules Stimulating researchers interest Food for thought An independent body- who pays for operations Be part of the other body- will it work better if its part of policy structure or research structure?

13. Thank you!!!

14. Questions? ?