AFIDEP

As we wrap up World Health Day Week, we want to hear from you: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing health systems in Africa today? Vote in the poll and share your thoughts in the comments — whether it’s one of the options listed or something else you believe deserves attention. Your voice matters in shaping stronger, more resilient health systems. #WorldHealth #HealthForAll #JoinTheConversation #AfricaHealth

What is the biggest challenge facing health systems in Africa today?

At the National Budget Implementation, Tracking and Oversight Forum convened by the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) in collaboration with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi), key messages highlighted the importance of effective budget implementation, strong oversight, and prioritisation in a context of constrained resources. Swipe to read key insights from AFIDEP's Executive Director Dr Eliya Zulu. Read full article: bit.ly/4mlmOJa

At a panel hosted by the @IDS_UONBI at the University of Nairobi, AFIDEP’s Deputy Executive Director, @roseoronje, shared insights on the role of evidence in policymaking, especially in times of uncertainty. She noted that in such contexts, governments must rely on diverse, continuously updated evidence and adopt more adaptive, inclusive processes that truly centre community voices. She called on stakeholders to reimagine how knowledge is produced, make policymaking more adaptive and citizen-centred, and enable citizens to play a more active role in shaping development. #EIDM #Policymaking

Stronger health systems require more than funding — they require smart, evidence‑informed decisions. This World Health Day Week, we highlight how the AFIDEP is supporting governments to strengthen health financing through data, research and policy engagement, helping improve resource allocation, inform reforms and build more resilient, equitable health systems across Africa. Learn more about the state of health financing in Africa and how evidence is shaping policy here: afidep.org/publication/ad… #WorldHealthDay #AFIDEPImpact #HealthFinancing #EvidenceMatters #HealthSystems

📍𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱! The 7th Kenya International Scientific Lung Health Conference 2026 has officially extended its abstract submission deadline to 14th April 2026. Under the theme, “From Detection to Recovery: Integrated Pathways and Patient-Centred Innovations for Lung Health,” the conference brings together experts, researchers, and practitioners committed to advancing lung health across the care continuum. This is your opportunity to share groundbreaking work in tuberculosis, respiratory diseases, early detection, treatment pathways, and patient-centred innovations shaping the future of lung health. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟱𝘁𝗵 – 𝟴𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: 𝟭𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 @LIGHTonTB partners in Kenya @Afidep and @ReSoKenya are glad to be part of this great scientific exchange and contribute to solutions that improve respiratory health outcomes. For more details and registration: resok.org/kislhc/

The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), in partnership with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi) and Parliament of Malawi convened a National Budget Implementation, Tracking and Oversight Forum bringing together parliamentarians, government officials, civil society, development partners, academia, and the media to discuss how public resources can be more effectively utilised to deliver national development priorities. Discussions emphasised the critical role of Parliament in strengthening accountability in public spending, the importance of tracking budget performance, and the need to ensure that public investments are aligned with long-term development goals such as Malawi 2063. As resources become more constrained and development financing shifts, ensuring that limited public resources deliver maximum impact is more important than ever.

Did you know? Up to 15% of deaths in low- and middle-income countries are linked to poor-quality health care — highlighting critical gaps in the quality and effectiveness of health services. As we continue through World Health Day week, the theme “Together for health. Stand with science” underscores the need to use data and evidence to improve the quality of care and save lives. Learn more: afidep.org/afideps-and-au… #DidYouKnow #WorldHealthDay #StandWithScience #HealthForAll #EvidenceMatters

Non-communicable diseases are a reality in Sub-Saharan Africa. So how can countries make smarter investments to address NCDs? At a recent #webinar, the second session in an ongoing learning and exchange series hosted by @Afidep under the Financing Accelerator Network for NCDs (#FAN), experts shared practical lessons on building evidence-informed investment cases that deliver real impact. Key insights from the webinar are captured in our latest blog. Read: shorturl.at/sXiwG #NCDs #InvestmentCases #NCDFinancing @NCDAccess @WBG_Health @results4dev @ncdalliance @eancdalliance

#HappeningNow! The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), in collaboration with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi), is convening a National Budget Implementation, Tracking and Oversight Forum to strengthen dialogue on how public resources can be effectively translated into development outcomes. The forum brings together parliamentarians, government officials, civil society organisations, the media, academia, and development partners to reflect on how budget commitments can be better aligned with national development priorities, including Malawi 2063, and how oversight mechanisms can promote transparency, accountability, and value for money. The Right Honourable Sameer Suleman, MP, Speaker of Parliament is gracing the event; alongside key stakeholders committed to strengthening evidence-informed decision-making and public financial management. Through this forum, AFIDEP continues to support efforts to ensure that limited public resources are used strategically to deliver meaningful and inclusive development results. You can follow the live stream on bit.ly/4sZBmRy

AFIDEP is hiring! We are looking for qualified and passionate individuals to join our team in the following roles: 1. Executive Assistant to the Executive Director 2. Communications & Policy Engagement Manager If you are ready to contribute to impactful work that strengthens policy and development in Africa, we encourage you to apply. 🔗 Find out more and apply here: bit.ly/4tDFTsR

#WorldHealthDay2026 This year's theme reminds us that health is shaped by the connections between people, animals, and our shared environment. AFIDEP #StandsWithScience and call for science-informed guidance to drive policy and protect lives. Our recent work with @NEPAD_Agency on emerging health technologies reinforces why the One Health approach matters; a collaborative, multisectoral strategy that recognises the links between human health, animal health, and the ecosystems we share. Through the policy brief developed under the Health Tech Platform (@htp_Africa), we highlight how adopting a One Health approach can strengthen disease prevention, improve surveillance systems, and build preparedness against threats such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-related health risks. Read more: healthtechafrica.org/technology/one… #OneHealth #StandWithScience #EmergingHealthTechnologies

Local manufacturing of medicines and other medical supplies is central to strengthening Africa's health systems. @Afidep ’s Deputy Executive Director, Dr @roseoronje , moderated panel discussions at the High-Level East African Engagement Forum on Financing and Investor Readiness for Local Manufacturing of Priority Medical Products. The message was clear: unlocking capital for local pharmaceutical manufacturing is not just an economic opportunity, it is a sovereignty issue. As geopolitical shifts continue to expose the vulnerabilities of Africa’s import-dependent health systems, the continent’s ability to produce its own medicines is most urgent. Key takeaways: ✅ Implement existing policies:  Strong frameworks exist, what is missing is implementation. ✅ African governments must make take concerted actions to support local manufacturing: For example, introduce incentives to nurture local pharmaceutical manufacturing; remove persisting barriers to entry; etc. ✅ Prioritise local procurement: Buying locally must shift from aspiration to enforceable commitment. ✅ Harmonise regulation regionally: Fragmented systems remain a critical barrier to scale and competitiveness. ✅ Uphold quality as non-negotiable:  Investor confidence is built on consistent adherence to international standards. The groundwork has been laid. What Africa needs now is urgent and collective action to make local pharmaceutical manufacturing a reality in its efforts to own and strengthen its health systems Read blog for more insights: shorturl.at/lm57r @NEPAD_Agency @PwC

Early bird registration has been extended until April 8. Join researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working to strengthen how evidence informs action. Register here: bit.ly/40qVDmq @aphrc @Afidep @RestlessDev

Africa’s worsening debt crisis is not just about how much countries owe, but how well that debt is managed and monitored. Weak transparency allows debt to grow without oversight, limits informed decision-making, and reduces accountability. As a result, warning signs are often missed until problems become severe. The fact that, in 2025, only five countries met full debt transparency standards highlights a broader governance gap, making improved transparency essential for better debt management, greater public trust, and the prevention of future crises. Want to know how your country is doing on debt transparency? Check here: bit.ly/3PTfmZJ

HAPPENING NOW! @AFIDEP is at the High-Level East African Engagement Forum. 🗓️ Serena Hotel, Nairobi ⏰ 31 March – 1 April 2026 Our Deputy Executive Director, Dr @roseoronje , is moderating Session 2: Investment Readiness and Market Enablers - Unlocking Capital for Africa’s Health Economy. The session brings together representatives from @PwC, @universalcorpo1 , and the East African Communinity Secretariat for fireside conversations and panel discussions on what it will actually take to finance and scale local manufacturing of health products across Africa. The forum is convened by the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK), in collaboration with @NEPAD_Agency & the East African Community. @Afidep is glad to be part of this conversation that is ultimate for Africa. Unlocking capital for local health manufacturing is not just an economic opportunity, it is a sovereignty issue. #HealthManufacturing #InvestmentReadiness #HealthEconomy