The main function of the Research Unit is to do Health Systems / Services Research, epidemiological  and evaluative studies, which can contribute to decision making on health problems in the community  and the efficient functioning of the health care system. The studies relate to the assessment of health  needs and the demands for health care, the distribution and utilisation of resources and Health services  Management.

Mauritius is one of the twelve countries participating in the African Tobacco Situation Analysis (ATSA) initiative of the International Development Research Centre(IDRC) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). This initiative strives to probe deeper into the existing data and help identify and fill critical gaps in the knowledge of what is happening, why, and what might be done to support current and future efforts in evidence-informed tobacco control.

The ATSA project in Mauritius, implemented between April 2008 and December 2010, consisted of four action research studies. The first two aimed at supporting the planned tobacco cessation initiative of the government mainly through strengthening the health information system regarding tobacco use among NCD patients attending public health institutions and through an assessment of KABP of health professionals on tobacco cessation.  The third study was designed to monitor compliance of smoke-free laws by assessing the indoor air quality in hospitality venues.  The last is a longitudinal study (consisting of at least 2 waves) which evaluated the new tobacco control policies including the new graphic health warnings implemented since June 2009.
For further information on the project, contact Mr P. Burhoo (Project Leader) on email : vvkmih@orange.mu

The aim of the research was to develop a communication assessment protocol for young children with CL/P, for use in Mauritius, a developing country in the Indian Ocean with a multilingual and multicultural population.  Eighty-eight children, with CL/P, 0-6 years, were selected by consecutive sampling and their parents acted as participants. Four speech-language therapists and audiologists from the public health sector of Mauritius participated in the data collection and appraisal of the assessment protocol developed. (Abstract)

The purpose of this survey was to analyze and understand:

• The National Health Research System and the capacity of institutions conducting research on Health issues.
• The systems and mechanisms of knowledge use in the National Health Systems.

The main objective of the survey is to generate reliable information on the price, availability and affordability of selected important medicines, and price components in the supply chain, towards the ultimate goal of improving access to affordable medicines for all. This survey was conducted on a national level using a standardized methodology which has been developed by the World Health Organization ( WHO) and Health Action International (HAI).Report (pdf)

“Etude Socio Comportementale au VIH et au SIDA parmi les Marins des Pays Membres de la Commission de l'Océan Indien.

‘ L'objectif de cette étude est de concevoir, préparer et mettre en œuvre une étude socio comportementale et biologique chez les marins mauriciens en collaboration avec les organes nationaux de lutte contre le SIDA, l'ONUSIDA, la Commission de l'Océan Indien et l'IOSEA( Indian Océan Seamen Association). Cette étude est financée entièrement par AIRIS-COI, grâce à un financement de la BAD (Banque Africaine de Développement).

An Evaluation Study of Methadone Substitution Therapy in Mauritius

The main objective of the study addressed the operational nature and effectiveness of the methadone substitution therapy. The study was of a pre and post-test design type. It was a cross-sectional study of quantitative and qualitative nature and will consist of process and impact/outcome designs. While process evaluation examined the characteristics and implementation of the programme, outcome evaluation assessed treatment.

National Cancer Registry

The sources of information are the Radiotherapy Patients’ register, The Central Pathological Laboratory, hospital in-patients records, the Overseas Treatment Unit, the Civil Status Office and the private laboratories and health institutions. Data is collected retrospectively and cases are checked, matched, classified and coded to ensure quality control and completeness of all information.
4-year period reports on the cancer incidence, trends and mortality are produced regularly to inform health decision makers, health workers, cancer support groups and international cancer surveillance institutions.

Reports already published are:

• Mr S. Ameerbeg 
• Mr P. Burhoo
• Mrs L.Moussa