In a groundbreaking effort to transform public health systems across Africa, Applied Health Analytics for Delivery and Innovation (AHADI) has officially launched, promising to redefine the use of health data in addressing the continent’s most pressing health challenges. Established by leaders in health analytics, AHADI aims to empower African nations through data-driven solutions, fostering self-reliance and sustainable health improvements.
Sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear a disproportionate burden of disease, with the region accounting for nearly 60% of global child mortality and 70% of maternal deaths during pregnancy and childbirth. Despite these alarming figures, healthcare funding remains critically low, with per capita health expenditure in sub-Saharan Africa amounting to just 2% of what high-income countries allocate per person.
Against this backdrop, AHADI is stepping in to bridge the gaps in health intelligence and analytics. Professor Abdisalan Noor, Executive Director of AHADI, emphasized the organization’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and local expertise. “Strengthening self-reliance must be the focus of support to countries. At AHADI, we see every engagement as an opportunity to nurture local talent and build institutional capacity, ensuring that over time, our assistance becomes less necessary,” he stated.
The initiative has garnered strong support from global health leaders. Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director of Neglected Tropical Diseases at the World Health Organization (WHO), praised AHADI’s vision, describing it as “timely, bold, and inspiring.” He highlighted the importance of enhancing health intelligence capacity, noting that only half of sub-Saharan African countries possess functional health data systems, while just 20% have adequate institutional capacity for health analytics.
To address these shortcomings, AHADI will collaborate closely with national governments, helping them assess data needs, implement analytics aligned with public health priorities, and enhance institutional capabilities. The initiative is designed not only to respond to immediate health crises but also to foster innovation and long-term strategic foresight in health analytics. Through investments in research, technology, and advanced data modeling, AHADI seeks to strengthen health systems’ ability to prioritize interventions, improve service delivery, and prepare for emerging health threats.
A key pillar of AHADI’s approach is partnership-building, bringing together academic institutions, governments, and global health organizations to establish a robust, Africa-led health analytics ecosystem. Professor Tom Kariuki, CEO of the Science for Africa Foundation, underscored the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Our mission is to catalyze and strengthen Africa’s science and innovation ecosystem. AHADI’s initiative is a major step toward enabling self-reliance in public health analytics, translating evidence into impactful solutions for Africa’s unique challenges.”
As AHADI takes shape, its impact is expected to extend beyond data analysis, driving a paradigm shift in how African nations use health intelligence to inform policies, allocate resources, and deliver better health outcomes. With its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and local expertise, AHADI is poised to become a cornerstone of Africa’s public health transformation.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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