This session will present early findings from Global Health EDCTP3 projects on core components of health research systems such as implementation research and vaccine optimisation, health research capacity development, and digital health research solutions for improved healthcare.
We will discuss the challenges and opportunities, as well as pathways to integrate these new approaches and innovations into national health research systems, aligning them with other initiatives, and collectively scaling them to strengthen health research capacity and public health management across Africa.
Through a series of case studies and by fostering dialogue between researchers, funders, and policymakers, this session will explore how strengthening health research ecosystems can improve access to innovations, enhance research uptake, and ultimately bolster health systems and outcomes in Africa.
- health policy | public health
- Tuesday 28 April 2026, 17:00 - 18:30 (CEST)
- Nairobi, Kenya
Programme
- 28 Apr 2026, 17:00 - 18:30 (CEST)From innovation to impact: Strengthening Africa’s health research ecosystems for better public health
17:00-17:10
Opening remarks
Global Health EDCTP3’s role in bridging health research and healthcare delivery for more resilient and sustainable health research systems in Africa
- Michael Makanga, Executive Director, Global Health EDCTP3
17:10-17:30
Case study presentations
Enhancing readiness for new maternal vaccines in Africa (PROTECT)
- Angela Koech, Aga Khan University, Keya.
Supporting the next generation of African experts on preventing mortality among children living with HIV through a translational training (SUPPORT)
- Victor Musiime, Makerere University, Uganda.
Closing the immunization gap by reaching zero-dose children through improved equitable and cost-effective vaccine delivery strategies (REACH-OUT)
- Jeanine Condo, Centre for Impact, Innovation and Capacity Building for Health Information Systems and Nutrition (CIIC-HIN), Rwanda.
Implementation of an Integrated Digital Health System for Infectious Diseases in Maternal and Child Health in East Africa (LINDA FAMILIA)
- Blandina Mmbaga, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Tanzania.
17:30-17:55
High-level panel discussion
How do these initiatives connect with your work, and what opportunities do you see for alignment and collaboration to strengthen health research ecosystems in Africa and maximise public health impact?
- Elvis Temfack, Africa CDC, Ethiopia.
- Marleen Temmerman, Centre of Excellence in Women & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Kenya.
- Fionn Harnischfeger, Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Germany.
- More to be confirmed.
Moderated by Lara Pandya, Global Health EDCTP3, Belgium.
17:55-18:25
Open floor discussion with the audience.
Moderated by Lara Pandya, Global Health EDCTP3, Belgium.
18:25-18:30
Conclusions
- Michael Makanga, Executive Director, Global Health EDCTP3
Speakers
Practical information
- When
- Tuesday 28 April 2026, 17:00 - 18:30 (CEST)
- Where
- United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)United Nations Ave, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya
- Languages
- English
- Website
- WHS Regional Meeting 2026