Operationalising the ESSENCE principles for equitable global health research partnerships in low- and middle-income countries: lessons from the RESPIRE collaboration

Abstract

Despite growing calls to decolonise global health, many research capacity strengthening initiatives in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain externally driven, short-term, and focused primarily on individual training rather than sustainable institutional ecosystems. Drawing on experiences from the RESPIRE collaboration across South and Southeast Asia, we reflect on key lessons and enabling mechanisms for operationalising equitable global health research partnerships through the ESSENCE. RESPIRE illustrates how capacity strengthening can move beyond transactional partnerships towards locally anchored, sustainable, and LMIC-led research ecosystems grounded in local leadership, regional peer learning, governance, mentorship, and community engagement. These experiences offer practical lessons for funders, institutions, and partnerships seeking to strengthen equitable research capacity in LMICs.