What are the Issues?
At the core of human development challenges in Africa are the issues of healthcare and education. Both of these are key measures of the wellbeing of people and the prosperity of their countries – in addition to being core human needs that must be seen as part of the rights of people. African countries face enormous challenges in the delivery of adequate healthcare and providing quality education. Our core questions center on the nature of education and its delivery, public health education, primacy healthcare delivery, the intersection of education, health and economic development, the incorporation of indigenous knowledge and cultural adaptation, and disease control. In all of these the questions of policy, access, and gender equity are critical. We see them as interfacing with issues of citizenship, cultures, technology, economic development, employment, and overall human development.
How do we approach the issues?
We approach issues of healthcare and education through a multidisciplinary lens centered on evidence-based research that is cognizant of the need for policy solutions to the problems of healthcare and education. We lay a vision of evidence-based knowledge that is geared toward solving human problems and we support academic research that fosters this vision. We understand healthcare and education as multidimensional issues that require solid evidence-based knowledge from academic research and insights from the policy world on the everyday issues of healthcare and education in Africa. We integrate evidence-based research with policy questions and insights throughout our works, from the conception of studies to the publication and dissemination of the knowledge acquired through evidence-based research.
What do we contribute?
Our contributions center on knowledge production and its use. Notably, we facilitate the production of evidence-based knowledge in formats that are accessible to policymakers and practitioners. We believe that evidence-based knowledge should be useful and accessible. By working with scholars and practitioners on Africa, especially those based in Africa, we contribute to the molding of research, publication of evidence-based knowledge in a variety of formats to be accessible to the academic and policy worlds, and dissemination of evidence-based knowledge through a variety of engagement activities directed at policy makers, stakeholders, and the public.
How can you help us?
You can contribute as a scholar, policy experts, or a concerned person wanting to make a difference. Scholars and policy experts can join our network of fellows and be part of research teams. As a person who cares about issues of healthcare and education in Africa, you can support IRPIA by making a financial donation and/or contributing your skills. Please contact us to learn more about how you can contribute.