Community Advisory Boards (CABs) often form the structure for involving community members in a partnership, and can play an important role as collaborators, gatekeepers to the community and a bridge between communities and research institutions. In recognition of this, the Bagamoyo Community Advisory Board was established in 2007, aiming to properly educate and empower elected CAB members to become full partners in all research activities concerning the public within the Bagamoyo area. Understanding the challenges faced by the CAB in implementing their activities, the success made, and the lessons learned could help guide future public health research and projects. This article presents viewpoints from the Bagamoyo Community Advisory Board members on the challenges, successes and lessons learned. It provides ideas, suggestions and critical reflections on how to improve community engagement in public research and projects.
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