The R4HC-MENA programme aims to build research and policy capacity in conflict affected areas focusing on health, political economy of health and complex non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as mental health and cancer, by blending qualitative and quantitative methods and bridging social and clinical sciences.

This will be achieved in the UK and MENA partner countries through contextually sensitive activities including:

• Co-development and delivery of accredited multi-disciplinary courses following a blended learning approach with faculty from the UK and MENA region. These courses are fundamentally inquiry based and will improve knowledge and expertise in classical and new research methods to grow capacity to generate much needed empirical data. To achieve this, lecturers and researchers will be specifically trained in innovative teaching methods, assessments and evaluation methods.
• Mentoring senior leadership at national and global/multilateral institution levels in the translation of research to policy.
• Developing targeted and innovative Learning Technologies and Informatics  platforms for distance learning and education (iTEL).
• The AUB Global Health Institute Academy will be involved in the development and implementation of blended learning, including webinars and massive open online courses.

Additionally, the R4HC-MENA programme will develop new sustainable partnerships between organisations to build expertise and capacity in conflict and health research across the MENA region and globally. Activities include:

• Bringing together academic, humanitarian and government sectors to develop education programs and build expertise in conflict and health research in both the UK and partner countries.
• Engage with other countries in areas of conflict in the MENA region (e.g. Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Tunisia) in order to learn from their experiences and build new or strengthen existing South-South partnerships.