Africa Evidence Network (AEN)’s Post

Applications for this year's Africa Evidence Week are open until 31 July. We are looking forward to your content submissions on live in-person events, live online events, pre-recorded webinars, Twitter chats, blog posts, video content, publications such as research reports, toolkits, guidelines, EIDM stories, etc., and any other digital content aligned to the objectives of the event: https://lnkd.in/dE37JENU. Join us in showcasing and promoting the state of evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) on the continent, specifically highlighting the contribution of young and emerging leaders in African #EIDM. "Only together can #EIDM become a reality." #Africalovesevidence

Let's keep the conversations going for #AfricaEvidenceWeek2024! Stories captivate the emotions. Emotions are stirred by stories. Narratives stir the interest of the mind. Stories are a perfect approach to convey the human aspect of the work that the #AEN and its members do. We have several series in our gallery of African evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) narratives. There are several instances of effective #EIDM in use throughout the African evidence environment. The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) Knowledge Translation team shares their story of evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM), which goes back to 2009: https://lnkd.in/dvN4Vc88. They mention that their journey has been transformative and impactful over the past fifteen years.

In #EIDM we use stories to connect with others, experience emotions and to feel understood. In this work, storytelling plays a critical role in driving change, building trust and credibility. It also can help to foster connections and collaborative. This example by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) Knowledge Translation team shares their story of #EIDM, which goes back to 2009. They mention that their journey has been transformative and impactful over the past fifteen years. "As we continue to build capacity and strengthen networks, our vision remains clear: to embed EIDM within the health system and other development sectors in Ethiopia and beyond, ensuring that high-quality research evidence informs policy and practice for a better future." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d3CTHC3w. Firmaye Bogale Yosef Abraha Sabit Ababor Yesterday, Cynthia Lamisi Anaba, a Health Systems and Policy Administrator at the Catholic Health Service Trust, Ghana, shared her story: https://lnkd.in/dkfX7eXH, how powerful individual action is and the potential of collaboration. Her narrative underscores the importance of grassroots initiatives and the potential of individuals to shape the world around them. Through their efforts, Cynthia and her team are not just changing lives but building a legacy of compassion, inclusion, and hope. Over the years we have collected over 50 stories https://lnkd.in/drb_MJkq. See more details about the event here: https://lnkd.in/diAqck9m and https://lnkd.in/dRwJEAWn  #AfricaEvidenceWeek2024 #AfEW2024 #Africalovesevidence #AfricanEIDM #EIDMstories

The MedDMO Media Plurality Report, an annual publication focusing on Cyprus, Greece, and Malta, assesses the diversity of news media ecosystems. By analyzing media market characteristics, fundamental protection, market plurality, political independence, and social inclusiveness, it aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the media dynamics in the three countries and to reveal both commonalities and distinctions. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dfkeMg6W #EDMOeu #MedDMO

Sharing some reflections in my latest blog with @Douglas Glandon and @Tom Kelly from 3ie's experience of leading and facilitating both 'evidence' and 'context' conversations. We at 3ie use a flexible, conversational approach to help our partners sketch and, usually iteratively, build out 'evidence + context' frameworks. We bring an "outsider's" perspective, engaging multiple different internal stakeholder groups, and offering up suggestions that may not be as easy or feasible for internal stakeholders to do for various reasons. What do you think? We invite your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and feedback. Do you have your own version of an 'evidence + context' framework? https://bit.ly/3zWHl2H

I chanced on this tweet by Zoe Jordan of JBI on a submission by Ruth Stewart of Africa Evidence Network (AEN) on the transformation of evidence for policy using the African proverb: “Because we focused on the snake, we missed the scorpion”.   This is quite profound and thought-provoking as well. It’s a call to action but for whom in particular - the global North, South, or Both? I believe all have roles to play in transforming evidence for policy but the crucial focus here is the Global South. It's indeed time to pay attention to the “scorpion”.   I believe there are more but here are my ‘two cents’ on the ‘how’ from LMIC perspectives: 1.    Support with local evidence generation is the new priority focus. 2.    Inclusivity is key and about time we strengthened indigenous knowledge generation to support global evidence conversations. 3.    Whilst acknowledging that there are some gaps within the research ecosystem, some good research is nonetheless conducted within the region. What is needed now is some good support through funding and collaboration to foster ongoing partnerships or the development of new ones to support knowledge sharing. 4.    Some key players such as Africa Evidence Network (AEN) and other passionate evidence stakeholders within the region certainly saw the “scorpion” and have continuously made efforts to address it. Acknowledgment and true respect for all trailblazers and encouragement to keep pushing. 5.    There is an emergence of African thought leaders who are passionate about changing the narrative of the African evidence ecosystem - from a recipient to a partner. Can their hands be held to make a difference through funding new project ideas and innovations? Join the conversion #PushingFrontiersofEBP #EBPReserachGroup #GlobalHealthEquity Cochrane Rehabilitation Cochrane

MTD Research Specialists is a well-respected private research company in South Africa. It is known for its work on public opinion research, market research, and social research. MTD Research Specialists has a high approval rating from the public, which is likely due to the fact that it is seen as being a reliable and trustworthy source of information. A recent survey by the South African Institute for Race Relations (SAIRR) found that MTD Research Specialists has an approval rating of 81%. This is the fifth highest approval rating of any private research company in South Africa. The SAIRR survey found that the top five most trusted private research companies are Ipsos MORI, TNS, Nielsen, Kantar, and MTD Research Specialists. These companies are all well-known and respected for their work on a variety of research topics.

In this #2023InReview video from Africa Evidence Network (AEN) Director and Co-Chair Siziwe Ngcwabe, we hear about the incredible growth of the Network in 2023 and the establishment of the Evidence Capacities Community of Practice. And what does 2024 hold for the AEN? Even deeper and more meaningful engagement by AEN members, of course.

In my second report under the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Journalism Fellowship for West Africa, being led by the Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA) with support from the Co-Develop. I delved on how digital health system is transforming patients care at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and the need to integrate this interoperable records system across the Nigeria's healthcare landscape. The fellowship is meant to deepen awareness about the benefits of DPI for the economic growth of the region. https://lnkd.in/dvwMMvnn

🌍 Breaking barriers in sustainable development in East Africa: How Lightup Impact is shifting the power to young grassroots leaders. 🔍 In this insightful article, Nicole Bezuidenhout, PhD, Valeria Santoro, and Ohiwa Jeniffer Muganda from Lightup Impact explore the challenges, operations, and strategy behind grassroots organizations' successful journeys in East Africa. 💚 We are humbled to be part of this Spring Issue! You can read more about our work in the article below. European Medical Writers Association (EMWA) #MedicalWriting #Sustainability #GrassrootsDevelopment #Empowerment