The use of health policy and systems research (HPSR) to support decision making in health systems is
limited in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). This is partly due to the lack of effective initiatives to strengthen
regional HPSR capacities and promote its use in decision making. This paper offers a structured reflection on the
establishment and core functioning of a HPSR Nodal Institute for the EMR with specific focus on the approach used
to support the conduct and use of HPSR. It seeks to gain better understanding of the activities conducted by the
Nodal Institute, the methods by which the Nodal Institute implemented these activities, and the outcomes of these
activities.