HINARI

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HINARI Access to Research in Health Programme is a global initiative that enables low- and middle-income countries to gain access to one of the largest collections of biomedical and health literature. Over 15,000 information resources are available to health institutions, universities, and research institutions in more than 120 countries, providing researchers, health professionals, and policy-makers with access to high-quality, timely, and relevant information.

Overview

HINARI was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with major publishers in the health sector in 2002. The initiative is part of the Research4Life programme, which also includes AGORA (Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture), OARE (Online Access to Research in the Environment), ARDI (Access to Research for Development and Innovation), and GOALI (Global Online Access to Legal Information). HINARI's primary goal is to improve the quality of healthcare, education, and research in developing countries by providing access to the latest evidence-based information.

Eligibility and Access

Access to HINARI is based on the gross national income (GNI) per capita of a country. Countries, areas, and territories with a GNI per capita below a certain threshold are eligible for free access, while those with a GNI per capita above the threshold but below a higher threshold are eligible for access at a significantly reduced rate. Eligible institutions must register to participate in the programme, and access is provided to all staff and students.

Content and Resources

HINARI offers access to a wide range of resources, including:

• Peer-reviewed journals
• Databases
• Books
• Training materials

The content covers a broad spectrum of topics in the health and biomedical fields, from basic science to clinical medicine, public health, and more. The resources are provided by leading publishers in the health sciences, including Elsevier, Wiley-Blackwell, Springer, and many others.

Impact and Challenges

HINARI has had a significant impact on healthcare and research in eligible countries. It has improved the quality of research by providing access to up-to-date information, facilitated evidence-based healthcare practices, and supported education and training in the medical and health sciences. However, challenges remain, including ensuring sustainable access to resources, raising awareness of HINARI among potential users, and training users to effectively utilize the available resources.

Future Directions

The future of HINARI involves expanding access to information resources, enhancing the user experience through improved platform technology, and increasing the capacity of local institutions to utilize these resources effectively. Collaboration with publishers, local governments, and international organizations will continue to be crucial in achieving these goals.