Applying health technology assessment in low- and middle-income countries

The needs for heath technology assessment are very real but may vary in different countries and settings. In addition, there are key challenges in producing health economic evidence when research resources are limited. Key topics will be the demand for economic evidence, the use of such evidence, and subsequent appropriate design of studies. The vast majority of people with complex health problems in the world do not have even their basic health care needs met. Eighty percent of these people live in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Countries such as these have scare resources to address these challenges, which means that for people who live in these countries there exists a treatment gap. To make the most efficient use of scarce resources, health systems should be informed by the best scientific evidence available. Research generated scientific evidence should underpin the creation of effective and cost-effective services to improve health and wellbeing, investigate implementation and to explore the barriers that stop recommended strategies from being introduced.