ESSENCE on Health Research is an initiative that allows donors/funders to identify synergies, establish coherence and increase the value of resources and action for health research.

Over the past several decades the value and impact of funding for health research has been given increasing importance by all partners. The result has been a sharp rise in uncoordinated and fragmented funding of an ever-increasing number of initiatives and projects.

Recognizing that such fragmentation and lack of coordination is not only wasteful but counter-productive, members and partners of the ESSENCE on Health Research Initiative are committed to harmonizing and aligning health research and funding to promote better strategic cooperation between partners, particularly among bilateral development agencies and funding organizations.

Since its inception in 2008, the evaluation, impact, use of evidence – and ultimately the improvement of health outcomes – have been a focus of the initiative. ESSENCE has achieved remarkable progress in facilitating dialogue among all partners and piloting a number of innovative approaches to achieve its goals. This important progress was acknowledged by a review conducted in 2015, highlighting in its positive assessment the recommendation for the continuation of this unique initiative.