Reflections from the JBI gLOCAL 2026 Solution Room
Healthcare systems around the world are increasingly recognising that sustainable improvements in population health begin within communities. On 14 May 2026, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, community practitioners, and evidence implementation experts from across the globe gathered for the JBI gLOCAL 2026 Solution Room: “Evidence into Community Action – Innovation in Community-Oriented Primary Care.”
Organised collaboratively by the Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR), JBI Evidence Synthesis and Implementation for Indigenous Health (India), JBI Ekurhuleni Clinical Research Centre (South Africa), and the University of Pretoria, the event formed part of the internationally recognised JBI gLOCAL Solution Room initiative, which seeks to bridge the gap between evidence generation and real-world implementation.
The virtual gathering provided a unique platform for global dialogue on strengthening primary healthcare through community engagement, innovation, and evidence-informed practice.
Reimagining Primary Care Through Community Partnerships
Community-Oriented Primary Care (COPC) is increasingly being recognised as a transformative approach that integrates public health principles with primary healthcare delivery. By focusing on the health needs of specific communities, COPC aims to create responsive, equitable, and sustainable healthcare systems.
The Solution Room explored how evidence-based interventions can be translated into meaningful community action, particularly in underserved and vulnerable populations. Participants examined innovative approaches that place communities at the centre of healthcare planning, implementation, and evaluation.
The discussions highlighted a shared understanding that effective healthcare extends beyond clinics and hospitals—it requires active collaboration with the communities it serves.
Bringing Global Experiences to Local Contexts
One of the defining strengths of the event was the diversity of perspectives represented. Speakers and participants shared experiences from different countries and healthcare settings, showcasing innovative models of community-oriented care that have improved health outcomes and strengthened health systems.
Presentations demonstrated how evidence-informed approaches can be adapted to address local priorities while remaining grounded in scientific rigor. From Indigenous health initiatives and community engagement strategies to workforce development and service integration, the event showcased practical examples of how communities can become active partners in health improvement.
The exchange of experiences reinforced the importance of context-specific solutions that reflect local cultures, needs, and realities.
The Role of Evidence in Driving Community Impact
Throughout the event, speakers emphasised the importance of evidence synthesis, implementation science, and knowledge translation in advancing community health.
Participants explored how research evidence can inform decision-making at every level—from clinical practice and programme design to policy development and resource allocation. Discussions focused on strategies for ensuring that evidence does not remain confined to academic publications but is transformed into actions that improve people’s lives.
The Solution Room highlighted how implementation science can help bridge the persistent gap between what is known to work and what is actually practiced within communities.
Innovation at the Heart of Primary Healthcare
Innovation emerged as a central theme throughout the programme. Participants discussed emerging approaches to delivering primary healthcare that are more responsive, inclusive, and community-driven.
Several presentations highlighted the role of digital technologies, community health workers, interdisciplinary collaboration, and participatory approaches in improving access to care and strengthening healthcare delivery systems.
Importantly, innovation was framed not only as technological advancement but also as the ability to develop creative, practical, and culturally appropriate solutions to complex health challenges.
The discussions underscored that meaningful innovation often begins with listening to communities and co-designing solutions alongside them.
Strengthening Indigenous and Community Health Systems
Special attention was given to the importance of addressing health inequities and ensuring that community-oriented approaches are inclusive of Indigenous and marginalized populations.
Speakers highlighted the need for culturally safe and evidence-informed interventions that respect local knowledge systems while incorporating best available evidence. The conversations reinforced the value of partnerships between researchers, healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers in creating sustainable health improvements.
These discussions reflected a growing global commitment to health equity and the recognition that community participation is essential for achieving lasting change.
Building a Global Learning Network
Beyond knowledge sharing, the event served as a catalyst for collaboration. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions about future partnerships, research opportunities, and strategies for scaling successful interventions.
The Solution Room fostered connections among institutions and individuals committed to advancing evidence-based healthcare and community development. By creating opportunities for dialogue across geographical and disciplinary boundaries, the event strengthened a growing international network dedicated to improving health outcomes through collaboration.
The spirit of collective learning and mutual support was evident throughout the programme.
From Discussion to Action
As the event concluded, participants reflected on the importance of translating insights into tangible action. While evidence provides direction, meaningful change occurs when research is implemented within communities and adapted to local realities.
The discussions reinforced the need for sustained investment in community-oriented primary care, stronger partnerships between stakeholders, and continued efforts to integrate evidence into policy and practice.
Participants left with renewed motivation to strengthen community engagement, support innovation, and champion evidence-based approaches within their respective settings.
Looking Ahead
The JBI gLOCAL 2026 Solution Room: Evidence into Community Action – Innovation in Community-Oriented Primary Care demonstrated the power of global collaboration in addressing complex healthcare challenges.
By bringing together diverse voices and experiences, the event highlighted practical pathways for strengthening primary healthcare systems and advancing health equity. More importantly, it reaffirmed a shared commitment to ensuring that evidence serves communities and contributes to meaningful improvements in people’s lives.
As healthcare systems continue to evolve, community-oriented primary care remains a powerful framework for achieving better health outcomes, reducing inequities, and building resilient communities. The insights and partnerships generated through this Solution Room will continue to inspire action long after the event has concluded.
About the Event
Event: JBI gLOCAL 2026 Solution Room – Evidence into Community Action: Innovation in Community-Oriented Primary Care
Date: 14 May 2026
Format: Virtual
Organisers: Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR), JBI Evidence Synthesis and Implementation for Indigenous Health (India), JBI Ekurhuleni Clinical Research Centre (South Africa), and the University of Pretoria
Together, the organisers and participants demonstrated that when evidence meets community action, transformative healthcare solutions become possible.