Hinari

HINARI (Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative) is a global programme established by the World Health Organization (WHO) together with major academic publishers.
Its purpose is to enable institutions in low- and middle-income countries to access a large collection of biomedical and health literature (journals, e-books, databases) either free or at very low cost. 

Why it matters

• It helps bridge the information gap: many research and health-institutions in developing countries otherwise cannot afford subscriptions to major journals.
• It supports research capacity, teaching, clinical care, and evidence-based health decision making in resource-constrained settings. For example, one WHO news release noted institutions produced up to 75 % more health science publications after joining HINARI. 
• It is part of the wider Research4Life initiative (which includes HINARI for health, AGORA for agriculture, etc.) and forms a critical open-knowledge infrastructure. 

How it works (in broad strokes)

1. An institution (e.g., university library, teaching hospital, research institute) in an eligible country registers for HINARI access. 
2. Once registered, staff and students at that institution can log in and access the licensed collection of journals, e-books and other resources through HINARI’s platform. 
3. The collection includes thousands of journals and books in multiple languages. For example: “more than 8,500 journals and 7,000 e-books (in 30 different languages) … in more than 100 countries” according to WHO. 
4. Access terms depend on the institutional category and country grouping (see eligibility below). Once eligible, the institution maintains access by renewing registration and adhering to usage policies.

Key features & advantages

• Large scale collection of biomedical and health literature tailored for low-resource settings.
• Reduced cost or free access for eligible institutions, significantly lowering barrier to cutting-edge literature.
• Wide language coverage and global reach, enhancing inclusion of non-English speaking researchers.
• Support for capacity building: with access to literature, institutions can support student training, research output, teaching and clinical practice.
• Visibility and output: As noted in recent analysis, HINARI membership correlates with increased research publications and trial participation in eligible countries. 

Limitations & things to watch

• Eligibility is restricted: Only institutions in countries meeting HINARI’s criteria (based on GNI, HDI, UN least-developed status) qualify for free or low-cost access. 
• Not all resources may be included: Some top journals, books or specialized conference proceedings may not be part of the licensed collection.
• Institution-based access: Individual users typically access via their institution’s registration, remote or personal access may require institutional login or VPN depending on setup.
• Usage policies and sustainability: Institutions must maintain registration, abide by licensing terms (no mass redistribution), and ensure awareness among users to maximise benefit.
• Training may be needed: For research staff, librarians and students, knowing how to use HINARI effectively (searching, filtering, full-text access) adds value, some institutions may need to build that capacity.