From March 20-22, the Zambian Ministry of Health, with support from USAID, DFID, and the Population Council, convened the first national Evidence for Impact research symposium.​ The theme of this year’s symposium was “Translating Research into Gains in Primary and Community Health in Zambia.” The focus of the symposium was on reproductive, maternal and newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition services (RMNCAH-N) in primary care and community settings. The symposium showcased research conducted at all levels of policymaking and service delivery from community to national levels.

The symposium convened government agencies, public and private research institutions, development partners, UN agencies, the scientific community and networks, academia, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, and individual researchers. Over 300 participants attended.

IPA presented results from four studies:

• Evaluating the Impacts of Home-Based Growth Charts and Community Monitoring on Stunting in Zambia
• Interpersonal Communication to Encourage Use of Female Condoms in Zambia
• Contraceptive Adoption, Fertility, and the Family in Zambia
• Recruiting and Motivating Community Health Workers in Zambia

Aims and objectives of the symposium were to:

1.      Disseminate research findings from programs, projects, and initiatives evaluated across Zambia; including Saving Mothers Giving Life, the Milennium Development Goal Initiative, and others;

2.      Identify the lessons learnt and recommendations for programming and further research;

3.      Foster networks to deepen sustained research impact;

4.      Strengthen existing networks of partner and stakeholder organizations.

 This first symposium provided direction, impetus, and an agreed upon collaborative framework for subsequent research forums in the RMNCAH-N arena.