The African Population Cohorts Consortium as an infrastructure providing population-based data to strengthen health research and policy through evidence informed decision-making in Africa.
1
Population Science, Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
2
Makerere University Centre for Health and Population Research (MUCHAP), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
3
Africa Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC), Science for Africa Foundation (SFA), Nairobi, Kenya
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3797
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Africa's complex health landscape, marked by a dual burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases, necessitates robust research infrastructures capable of generating high-quality, longitudinal data to inform policy. Population cohorts are vital for this purpose, yet their potential has been fragmented. To address this, a new pan-African initiative has been established to harness the collective power of these cohorts to improve health outcomes across the continent.
METHODS:
The African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC) blueprint was officially launched in May 2024 at a meeting of 45 population cohorts from across Africa. The consortium's approach is to create a collaborative platform for African researchers to network, share best practices, harmonize methodologies, and enhance data sharing and analysis. To map the current landscape, a survey was conducted in September 2024 among cohorts that had expressed interest in joining the APCC. Following funding from Wellcome, the consortium has entered the implementation phase, and 63 cohorts have now signed the Charter.
RESULTS:
The launch of the APCC has formalized a network committed to advancing cohort-based research. The initial survey revealed a significant existing investment in this area, with 46 responding cohorts spending approximately $22 million annually on maintenance and a further $25 million on nested studies. A formal governance structure and strategic research programmes have been developed to guide the consortium's activities and ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.
CONCLUSIONS:
The APCC represents a pivotal step towards creating a cohesive, continent-wide research infrastructure that can address the heterogeneity of health challenges in Africa. By leveraging existing investments and fostering collaboration, the consortium will enable the generation of robust, context-specific evidence to inform public health policy, strengthen health systems, and advance the goal of universal health coverage more effectively. The APCC is poised to catalyze innovation, building the research capacity needed to secure Africa's health future.
Africa's complex health landscape, marked by a dual burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases, necessitates robust research infrastructures capable of generating high-quality, longitudinal data to inform policy. Population cohorts are vital for this purpose, yet their potential has been fragmented. To address this, a new pan-African initiative has been established to harness the collective power of these cohorts to improve health outcomes across the continent.
METHODS:
The African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC) blueprint was officially launched in May 2024 at a meeting of 45 population cohorts from across Africa. The consortium's approach is to create a collaborative platform for African researchers to network, share best practices, harmonize methodologies, and enhance data sharing and analysis. To map the current landscape, a survey was conducted in September 2024 among cohorts that had expressed interest in joining the APCC. Following funding from Wellcome, the consortium has entered the implementation phase, and 63 cohorts have now signed the Charter.
RESULTS:
The launch of the APCC has formalized a network committed to advancing cohort-based research. The initial survey revealed a significant existing investment in this area, with 46 responding cohorts spending approximately $22 million annually on maintenance and a further $25 million on nested studies. A formal governance structure and strategic research programmes have been developed to guide the consortium's activities and ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.
CONCLUSIONS:
The APCC represents a pivotal step towards creating a cohesive, continent-wide research infrastructure that can address the heterogeneity of health challenges in Africa. By leveraging existing investments and fostering collaboration, the consortium will enable the generation of robust, context-specific evidence to inform public health policy, strengthen health systems, and advance the goal of universal health coverage more effectively. The APCC is poised to catalyze innovation, building the research capacity needed to secure Africa's health future.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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