Reflections from the Evi4dev Conference

At the Evi4Dev Conference, the message was clear: data must not just be collected—it must move us. In a powerful session on turning evidence into action, voices from across the continent shared practical strategies for bridging research and policy.

As national priorities shift globally, the health research community in Africa faces a critical moment. With shrinking donor funding, rising calls for self-reliance, and an urgent push for health security, our ability to act on existing data—effectively, efficiently, and equitably—has never been more vital. Research and Development must align with national and regional priorities, including frameworks such as STISA 2063 and other continental strategies, to ensure Africa’s needs are at the center of the global health agenda.

Advocacy networks across the continent are critical to advancing Africa’s health R&D agenda. By coordinating diverse efforts and fostering meaningful collaboration, networks like Africa Health Research, Innovation and Development Alliance (AHRIDA), South African Health Technologies Advocacy Coalition (SAHTAC), Speak Up Africa, and CHReaD maximize resources, align stakeholders, and drive impactful change—ensuring that Africa’s research priorities are both actionable and responsive to local needs. These networks play a vital role in connecting national and regional efforts, ensuring that data-driven solutions are integrated into policy and practice

It’s time to pivot from past funding practices and research priorities that do not align with Africa’s realities. We must increase investment in African-led research and innovation, prioritize our unique health challenges, and ensure that our solutions are both locally driven and globally relevant. The future of African health depends on it.

#AfricaLeads #DataToAction #AfricanInnovation #R&D #HealthSecurity #CHReaD #AHRIDA #SAHTAC #SpeakUpAfrica