Abstract
The know-do gap refers to a situation where there is failure to apply knowledge to improve people’s health (Kebede et al., 2014). There is a need to close the Know-do gap in Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional audit and analysis of all conducted trials registered on clinictrials.gov through April 2026. African countries conducted only 72 implementation trials compared 2338 in the United States of America, a 32-fold absolute trial volume gap. More implementation research is needed to close the large existing know-do gap in Africa.
References
Kebede, D., Zielinski, C., Mbondji, P. E., Piexoto, M., Kouvividila, W., & Lusamba-Dikassa, P.-S. (2014). The way forward – narrowing the knowledge gap in sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen health systems. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 107(1_suppl), 10–12. https://doi.org/10.1177/0141076813512818
Sáenz V., Patino, C. M., & Carvalho Ferreira J. (2021). Implementation research and its role in public health and health policies. Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia, e20210443. https://doi.org/10.36416/1806-3756/e20210443
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Copyright (c) 2026 Daniel Obua, Joyce Nakitende, Patrick Vuzara , Timothy Adeyemi, Victoria Nakalanzi, Temitope Ogunnupebi , Joy Happy Banonya , Winnifred Akello , Fiona Agweng , Jonah Ainembabazi , Mahad Muweesi , Malinga Odong , Joyce Nayiga , Solomon Wani , Mercy Tebamifor , Ishmael Gumbo, Julius Opolot, Abiola Fafolahan , Martha Nakyagaba Mutumba , Richard Ssempala , Redie Kidane , Pius Kungu, Sandra Mwebe, Boru Wato , Felix Kofi Awuriki , John Francis Kimuli, Frank Matovu, Getaneh Simachew , Mary Nafuna , Joy Osifo , Angeth Achiek Kut , Boaz Mwesigwa , Eleanor Sabuka , James Arinaitwe , Annette Kyomuhangi, Julius Muhwezi , Chipo Nkwemu , Lauryn Nsenga, Eyasu Menamo , Daisy Wannyana , Ronald Nuwamanya