Edel Sakwa

Global Comms | Policy Engagement | Multimedia I Digital Comms I Science Comms | MPRSK | DMI

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

At the World Health Summit Regional Meeting in Nairobi, AFIDEP’s Executive Director, @EliyaZulu , called on #health experts to integrate #cultural values into sexual and reproductive health interventions to build trust, secure local buy-in, and improve effectiveness.

He noted that programmes addressing culturally entrenched issues such as female genital mutilation, child marriage, and use of contraception among youth and adolescents often face suspicion and lack legitimacy when they fail to engage traditional and faith-based leaders.

Speaking during the session “Culture and Health at the Crossroads: Meanings, Practices and Power,” Dr Zulu highlighted the example of Theresa Kachindamoto, a Malawian chief who mobilised her community to end over 3,500 child marriages and return many girls to school. He noted that the scale-up of such initiatives would go along way in operationalising #Malawi’s 2017 law that raised the legal age of marriage from 15 to 18 years. According to 2024 Malawi DHS data, close to 40% of girls are married before the age of 18.

Drawing on other examples from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Nigeria, Senegal, and Kenya, Dr Zulu emphasised that successful #SRHR programmes must be culturally grounded, using local language, respecting traditions, co-creating solutions with community leaders, and leveraging trusted social structures. He also emphasised the importance of evidence in overcoming resistance that tend to shut down #SRHR interventions as being “against our culture or religion”.

The session, organised by the @uonbi, brought together a panel of experts, including Prof. Owuor Olungah (@uonbi), Temie Giwa-Tubosun (@LifeBankCares), Karabo Thokwane (Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs in Botswana), and Carolyn Muruthi (@AKUGlobal).

Read AFIDEP’s work on advancing sexual and reproductive health rights in Africa: https://t.co/p0uxXFetJG

@MOH_Kenya @WorldHealthSmt @AKU_EAI @WHO
@AfricaCDC @roseoronje
#WHSNairobi2026 #UHC #HealthFinancing

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP)’s Board and Management extend our warmest congratulations to the African Population and Health Research Center (@aphrc) on 25 years of excellence and impact.

This milestone reflects APHRC’s remarkable contribution to advancing research, evidence-informed policymaking, and sustainable development across Africa. Over the years, AFIDEP has been privileged to collaborate with APHRC in strengthening the continent’s research and policy ecosystem. We deeply value our partnership, the shared learning, and our collective commitment to improving lives through evidence and innovation.

We also recognise @aphrc critical role in nurturing talent and developing leaders in the research community. Several members of the AFIDEP team contributed to building APHRC in its formative years, and have since grown into leaders driving evidence-informed development across Africa — a testament to the institution’s transformative influence.

As you celebrate this milestone and reflect on the growth, lessons, and impact of the last 25 years, we celebrate with you. We look forward to deepening our collaboration in advancing Africa’s development agenda.

Congratulations once again on this momentous achievement and for building a truly African-led institution. We wish APHRC even greater success and impact in the years ahead.

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Cleopatra Mugyenyi (@DrCleopatraKama) as AFIDEP’s Director of Sustainable Growth and Governance and Head, Kenya Office, effective 4 May 2026.

Dr Mugyenyi has over 20 years of experience in research, policy, programme leadership, and capacity strengthening across Africa. Her work spans governance and accountability, gender equality and social inclusion, women’s and youth empowerment, health systems strengthening, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and infectious disease epidemiology.

As she joins AFIDEP, Dr Mugyenyi brings a strong commitment to using evidence to solve real-world development challenges, strengthen institutions, and inform policies and programmes that improve lives.

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

AFIDEP is looking for a passionate and motivated Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Intern to join our team.

If you are eager to gain hands-on experience in evidence-informed development and contribute to impactful work across Africa, this opportunity is for you.

🔗 Apply and view full details here: https://t.co/wOzR2GNDER

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚.

Read our latest blog for key insights from our session on “Financing Universal Health Coverage: Domestic Resource Mobilisation (DRM), Private Sector, and Philanthropic Partnerships,” held during the World Health Summit Regional Meeting on 27 May 2026 in Nairobi: https://t.co/bQxKmCaE4d

@MOH_Kenya @WorldHealthSmt @AKU_EAI @WHO @AfricaCDC @EliyaZulu @roseoronje
#WHSNairobi2026 #UHC #HealthFinancing #WHS

[Eliya Zulu @EliyaZulu]

On the sidelines of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, a High-Level Ministerial Side Event on the Operationalisation of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) highlighted the critical role of a strong, continent-wide regulatory system for medicines and medical products. Established as an independent African Union Specialised Agency, AMA is central to ensuring that all Africans have access to affordable, safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines, a key step towards achieving #UHC.

We commend the 32 African countries that have ratified the AMA Treaty, which entered into force in 2021, and deposited their instruments with the African Union Commission. We also call on the remaining countries to accelerate the signing and ratification of the treaty to fully operationalise AMA’s mandate. A fully functional #AMA will help Africans access safe and quality-assured medicines faster, while strengthening Africa’s capacity to regulate and locally manufacture medical products. Pl
@Afidep @WHO @AU_AMA_ @_AfricanUnion
#79WHA #WorldHealthAssembly

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

The 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) 2026 in Geneva is calling. Will you be in the room?

@Afidep and partners invite you to a high-level side event at #WHA79 in Geneva:

“From donor dependence to country-led resilience: Financing and innovation for sustainable health systems in Africa.”

The event will bring together policymakers and global #health leaders to explore how African countries can strengthen domestic health financing and improve efficiency in spending for more resilient health systems.

The session will feature voices from @MinofHealthUG, @health_malawi, @NEPAD_Agency, @Afidep, @EGPAF, @UNITAID, @CHAI, and other key partners.

📅 21 May 2026 | 7:30–9:00 AM
📍 Warwick Hotel, Geneva - Switzerland

This convening underscores AFIDEP’s commitment to transforming African development through #evidence-informed policies and systems that strengthen health #resilience, advance sustainable financing, and improve the wellbeing of populations across the continent.

Register for the side event and be part of shaping the future of sustainable health financing in Africa: https://t.co/kuGPV3eeob
@roseoronje @EliyaZulu @WHO
#WHA79 #HealthFinancing #PHC #WHA

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

AFIDEP celebrates Dr Mohamed Sheikh (@DrAbeySheikh) for his outstanding leadership and service as Director General of the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD).

Over the years, we have worked closely together to advance evidence-informed population policies, strengthen #reproductive health programming, and champion #gender equity and inclusion in Kenya and across the region. This shared commitment to evidence-driven development has been central to our partnership.

AFIDEP wishes you every success in your next chapter.
@NCPD_Kenya @KeTreasury

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

📣 New Blog Alert!

On this #InternationalWomensDay, @Afidep's Women Economic Empowerment project team joins the world to commemorate.

For Kenya and other African countries navigating fiscally constrained environments, one policy insight is clear - unlocking women's productivity is one of the most cost-effective strategies for economic growth. Yet women make up more than half of Africa's population but generate only about one-third of its economic output — a gap rooted in persistent structural inequalities.

AFIDEP works with governments and partners to turn evidence into inclusive economic policy that changes this reality.

👉 Read the full blog: https://t.co/yjn5wN8qlc

#InternationalWomensDay #GiveToGain #WomensEconomicEmpowerment

[The LIGHT Consortium @LIGHTonTB]

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS 📣

@ReSoKenya & @Afidep join stakeholders to organise the 7th Kenya International Scientific Lung Health Conference.

Work in TB, lung health or health systems?

📍 5–8 Aug 2026
📌 Mombasa
⏳ 31 Mar 2026
📩 Submit your abstract: https://t.co/6BRaM4BC2T

[Edel Sakwa @EdelSakwa]

Your brand doesn't live in your brand guideline; it lives in the minds of your audience. It is human.

Join me at this 3-Part 'Branding Essentials Masterclass Series'

Register: https://t.co/4wPHVKFzSN

#LCEW #MakingCreativityPay

[The LIGHT Consortium @LIGHTonTB]

Season’s Greetings from the LIGHT Consortium ✨

Thank you to our partners, collaborators, and community for an inspiring year of progress 🤝

We look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.

Wishing you a restful and bright festive season 🌟

[Lung Institute, Makerere University @Lung_Institute]

From the IGNITE study as shared by @jaspernidoi at the #LSHSymposium25 gender-responsive, male-friendly TB services extended hours, male champions, wellness screening and simple cues like TB stamps boosted case detection by up to 51% @LIGHTonTB @brucekirenga #MLIat10 @winterzie

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

How can African storytelling close the research-to-action gap?

Join us for a virtual Tori Dey #Masterclass; a dynamic, arts-based approach by eBASE Africa (@ebase_africa) that transforms research evidence into stories, poems, music, drama, and visuals that resonate deeply with communities.

🗓 9 December 2025
⏰ 2:00–4:00 p.m. EAT

Ideal for policymakers, researchers, knowledge brokers & anyone passionate about innovative evidence translation.

Hosted by AFIDEP, under the AEEPA Africa LEEPS partnership, in collaboration with eBASE Africa.
Register here: https://t.co/lc6T8iKms8

@roseoronje @ibumurunga
#EIDM #EvidenceUse #AfricaLEEPS #KnowledgeTranslation

[The LIGHT Consortium @LIGHTonTB]

DESTINE Study 🇳🇬
@MaziChukwuebuk1's PhD research reveals how gender-responsive, locally co-created #TB care can improve access, reduce stigma, and save lives.
A powerful reminder that equity begins with listening to communities.
Watch → https://t.co/Oim5ZTeSN9

@FCDOHealthRes

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

Happy International Day of Democracy!

Today we celebrate the values that make democracy thrive — freedom, participation, and the power of every citizen's voice. While elections are a cornerstone, democracy is about so much more than casting a ballot. It lives in the everyday practices that keep leaders accountable and societies inclusive.

So, what do you believe keeps democracy alive between elections?

A) Accountability
B) Transparency
C) Inclusion
D) Citizen Voice
E) Other (Please Specify)

💬 Share your answer in the comments below — and if you choose Other, tell us what democracy means to you. Let's keep the conversation on democracy alive across Africa.

#InternationalDayOfDemocracy

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

#PressRelease
The Shire Valley Vector Control Project (Shire-Vec), a research collaboration between the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (@LSTMnews ), Malaria Alert Centre (MAC), the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme (@MLW_Programme ), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (@KUHeS_mw ), and the African Institute for Development Policy (@Afidep ) held a dialogue following the completion of a four-year study on controlling vector-borne diseases in agricultural irrigation systems that was being conducted in Malawi’s Lower Shire Valley.

The dialogue, held under the theme: “Controlling and managing vector-borne diseases in Malawi’s irrigation farming: Striking a balance between human health and food security,” brought together stakeholders from government, academia, and development institutions to share and discuss the project’s findings.

The findings, among others, highlight the importance of a One Health approach—a collaborative effort across human, animal, and environmental health to effectively address health issues.

Read the press release for more insights: https://t.co/t0BayK0R5h

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

AFIDEP is looking for 2 Human Resource Interns to join our dynamic team!

If you’re passionate about HR and hold a degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field, this is your chance to gain hands-on experience in a leading development policy institute.

Apply now and be part of our mission to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practice in Africa.

Find more information about the job here: https://t.co/i6EcYZlzap

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

Our 2025–2030 strategy is paving the way for an Africa where every decision is backed by solid evidence. Learn how we aim to drive change across health, education, climate, economic wellbeing, governance, and more for the next six years.

Read our strategy: [https://t.co/dwYj3tGWry]

[AFIDEP @Afidep]

Throwback to the Learning Together to Advance Evidence and Equity in Policymaking (LEEPS) Africa 2024 Convening, where researchers, policymakers, and practitioners came together to strengthen the use of evidence in climate-sensitive and development sectors.

The Africa LEEPS Progress Report (April–September 2024) captures key milestones from this work, including the engagement of over 250 policymakers through targeted trainings, the role of citizen panels in Malawi in translating complex science into community action, and the formation of regional Communities of Practice to sustain learning and collaboration.

📘 Read the progress report: https://t.co/bdOnNeHK8B

#EvidenceForAction #AfricaLEEPS #ClimateAndPolicy #KnowledgeTranslation #EIDM #GenderEquity #SDGs #PolicyDialogue