By June 2020, the cumulative cases and deaths related to COVID-19 in 16 East and Southern African (ESA) countries were still rising, with an average case fatality rate of 1.46%.[1] From its initial presence in cities and regional transport hubs, cases are spreading, including to rural areas, among health workers and as migrants cross borders […]

By involving citizens and health workers in producing evidence and learning, participatory action research has potential to organize community evidence, stimulate action, and challenge the marginalization that undermines achievement of universal health coverage. This paper summarizes and analyzes results of two sessions on this research model convened by the authors at the First Global Symposium on Health Systems Research in Montreux Switzerland, November 16–19, 2010. In so doing, it reviews case studies and experiences discussed, particularly their contribution to universal health coverage in different settings. The paper also reflects on challenges faced by participatory action research, and outlines recommendations from the two sessions, including creation of a learning network for participatory action research.

KEYWORDS Community-based participatory research, health services research, health care systems, community health planning, learning networks