The Alliance co-organized its East Africa Learning Forum in July as part of the Partnerships for Stronger Knowledge Systems in Africa (KNOSA) initiative. Bringing together teams of researchers and policy-makers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda over three days. The event was hosted by the Makerere University School of Public Health, in Kampala, Uganda.
Country teams shared insights on how to strengthen knowledge systems that connect research and policy from national to subnational levels. Kenya showcased efforts to build trusted county government knowledge platforms. Ethiopia focused on promoting routine data use, transparency and civil society engagement for improved accountability. Somalia stressed regional coordination and community involvement to adapt evidence use in complex settings. Uganda emphasized expanding evidence use beyond policy=makers to civil society, health providers and communities, while highlighting challenges like reliance on routine data, government staff turnover and sensitive issues of corruption. Core to all of these initiatives was the idea that advancing evidence-informed policy-making requires sustained political will, strong governance and inclusive partnerships.
The learning forum featured remarks from diverse speakers. Dr Christine Musanhu, from the WHO Country Office in Uganda, underscored the urgency of maximizing limited resources amid tightening global health budgets. Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe noted that, “As Africa tackles complex health and development challenges, initiatives like KNOSA highlight universities as hubs of knowledge, innovation and transformation”. Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean of the Makerere School of Public Health, emphasized the school’s deep policy engagement and the need for frameworks to strengthen evidence translation: “Discussions on institutionalizing evidence use, impact mapping, and communication lay the foundation for evidence-informed policy-making across the region”. Dr Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, highlighted strong research and evidence being crucial now more than ever to inform government policies and guide effective planning.
As health systems face increasing funding pressures and shifting donor landscapes, strengthening national knowledge systems is critical. Dr Kumanan Rasanathan, Executive Director of the Alliance, reaffirmed the Alliance’s commitment to advancing regional knowledge systems initiatives, and continuing the support for countries to harness evidence in shaping strategic, effective and equitable health policies: “It’s been a stimulating, interesting and enjoyable two days for us to bring together four country teams [... ] It’s just been a real privilege. As the Alliance, this type of work to support institutional strengthening is our core mission.”