Table 1 Sub-functions used in calculation of Mauritius NHRS barometer, 2020

A. Leadership and Governance of R4H

1. Existence of a national policy on research for health (R4H) (binary variable)

2. Existence of a Law / legislation relating to R4H (binary variable)

3. Existence of a strategic R4H plan (binary variable)

4. Existence of a national research ethics review committee (binary variable)

5. Existence of a national R4H prioritized agenda (binary variable)

6. Existence of a national health research focal point / unit (binary variable)

The National R4H Policy Index (NR4HPI) for Mauritius NR4HPI

The actual R4HP Score is Mauritius is estimated being 0 since Mauritius does not have an R4H Policy. Minimum R4HP Score is the minimum possible value of 0, depicting the absence of an R4H policy. Maximum R4HP Score is the aspirational goalpost value of 1 depicting an R4H policy disseminated and implemented. The NR4HPI for Mauritius is, there equal to 0

B. Developing and Sustaining Resources for R4H

7. Existence of health research programme / directorate / department at Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) (binary variable)

8. Number of technical & support staff in R4H programme per 100,000 population (Continuous variable)

9. Whether R4H programme has internet connectivity (binary variable)

10. Presence of a Medical Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) (binary variable)

11. Number of universities and colleges conducting R4H per a million population (Continuous variable)

12. Existence of non-governmental organization(s) undertaking R4H (binary variable)

The Mauritius total number of universities and colleagues conducting R4H Index (UCR4HI)

The Actual UR4H Score of the sub-function on the total number of universities and colleges conducting R4H, was estimated to be 3.157 in step 4; the Minimum UR4HN Score would be 0 if Mauritius had no university conducting R4H; and Maximum UR4HN Score that any country can attain would be 5.39, that is the highest score in Africa (that of Cabo Verde). Thus UCR4HI = 0.586. (3.157 / 5.39)

C. Producing and Utilizing R4H

13. Existence of a national health research management forum (NHRMF) (binary variable)

14. Existence of knowledge translation platform (KTP) (binary variable)

15. Total number of R4H publications (between 1 December 2019 to 30 November 2020) per 100,000 population (Continuous variable)

The Mauritius actual value of the sub-function ‘government allocation to R4H as a percentage of total MOHW budget in 2020/2021’ index (HRBI)

The Actual HRB Score was estimated at 0.328 in step 4; the Minimum HRB Score is the least any government can allocate to R4H, which is 0; and regional and international target of allocating 2% of health sector annual budget to R4H was designated Maximum HRB Score. Thus, HRBI = 0.561 (0.328/2.0)

D. Financing R4H

16. Presence of funded R4H budget line within government budget (binary variable)

17. Percentage of MOHW budget allocated to R4H in 2020/2021 financial year (Continuous variable)

The publication index (PUBI) for Mauritius

In example 3 of Step 4, Mauritius Actual PUB Score was estimated to be 7.02; the Minimum PUB Score is 0, where a country has no peer-reviewed publications; and Maximum PUB Score of 12.514, that is, South Africa’s Actual PUB Score [49]. Thus HRBI =  0.561 (7.02/ 12.514)