*3.8. Funding*

Funding is a key consideration. Operational research studies that use routinely collected secondary data are simple and relatively inexpensive to do. Operational research papers published through SORT IT courses, which included the capacity building and the publication charges, cost under 7000 euro per paper when conducted and led by the institutions without additional expertise costs [41].

Real-time operational research is likely to be more expensive. However, there are opportunities for funding. The Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in recent years has promoted the integration of operational research into country programmes during the funding process [42], and encourages real-time operational research for more effective uptake and use of proven interventions as well as research on the introduction and deployment of new products in the field when they become available. More efficient mechanisms, however, for accessing and deploying these funds are urgently needed.

#### *3.9. Operational Research across the Spectrum of Disease*

We have focused this perspective article on real-time operational research around TB. However, this type of research can be utilized for many other different diseases. A review of published papers through the SORT IT model between 2009 and 2018 showed that while 45% of operational research projects were on TB, the remainder were on other communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, trauma and health care emergencies and access to care [40]. The UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) currently has a large gran<sup>t</sup> from the UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to undertake and build capacity in operational research around the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Two SORT IT courses on AMR from Africa and Asia have recently been completed with excellent publication outputs to date [43].
