HITAP reviewed 278 HTA capacity-strengthening activities in 25 countries from 2010 to mid-2025. Asia accounted for 151 activities and 128 engagements were programmatic rather than ad hoc. Knowledge sharing represented 26% and research or project collaboration 21%. Among 11 African partner countries, only three had programmatic engagement, accounting for 30 activities.
Key findings
- Interviewees reported greater recognition of HTA, stronger technical capacity in ministries and partner organisations, and outputs including guidelines, publications, dedicated units, memoranda and institutional or regulatory reform. Multi-country engagements increased after 2022.
Why this matters globally
Countries pursuing universal health coverage need durable systems for technology decisions under resource constraints. The study argues for simultaneous investment in people, organisations, networks and policy environments, adapted to country context rather than copied as one model.
Thai researcher contribution
Thailand’s HITAP Foundation contributed more than a decade of programme experience and led the analysis with international partners. The work positions a Thai policy-research institution as a capacity-building partner across Asia and Africa.
Limitations to consider
Internal documentation may be incomplete or uneven, and interviewees with prior HITAP engagement may hold favourable views. Without comparison countries or counterfactual measurement, the study cannot isolate HITAP’s causal contribution from wider reforms.