EDCTP Association at the WHS Regional Meeting 2026: Advancing Innovation and Impact in Africa’s Health Research Ecosystems
Panellists with Dr Michael Makanga, Global Health EDCTP3 Executive Director, Lara Pandya (Global Health EDCTP3) and Michelle Nderu (EDCTP Association)
The EDCTP Association actively contributed to the World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting held from 27–29 April 2026 at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, Kenya. Bringing together more than 3,000 participants from over 80 countries, the meeting convened policymakers, researchers, innovators, and global health leaders to advance solutions for stronger and more resilient health systems in Africa. Under the theme “Reimagining Africa’s Health Systems: Innovation, Integration, and Interdependence,” discussions focused on translating policy commitments into coordinated action, strengthening country ownership, and advancing health sovereignty through increased domestic investment, local manufacturing, and equitable global partnerships.
As part of the official programme, Global Health EDCTP3 hosted a session titled “From innovation to impact: Strengthening Africa’s health research ecosystems for better public health,” co-chaired by Michelle Nderu (EDCTP Association) and Lara Pandya (Global Health EDCTP3).
The session showcased how Global Health EDCTP3-supported initiatives—from maternal vaccine readiness and HIV research training to immunisation strategies and digital health systems—are strengthening health research ecosystems and improving public health outcomes across Africa.
Discussions underscored a clear message: innovation and impact must go hand in hand with strong country ownership and equitable partnerships. Key priorities included shifting from short-term projects to sustainable research platforms aligned with national needs; linking capacity development to career pathways; strengthening connections between research, policy, and communication; fostering public–private partnerships to ensure equitable access to health tools; and addressing non-communicable diseases alongside infectious diseases. Participants also emphasised the importance of building on EDCTP’s achievements while ensuring greater flexibility to respond to an evolving global health landscape.
Overall, the meeting reaffirmed the critical role of partnerships and integrated approaches in translating research and innovation into lasting health impact across Africa.