Changing an urban community through health research: a South African case study

Abstract

This article reflects on a positive example of health research translation. Research conducted in a disadvantaged urban community in Johannesburg by the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Urban Health as part of the Health Environment and Development study led to a number of community-led health promotion initiatives. Using the Research and Policy in International Development framework for analyzing the links between research and practice, the process and outcomes that have transformed local approaches to health are reviewed. Lessons learned may prove useful to others seeking to use health research to influence local approaches to health.