Who writes the health agenda? centering african voices in the global health policy
1
Environmental Science and Health, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3167
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
global health policy has historically been shaped by institutions and actors based in high income countries, often marginalising african perspectives in setting priorities, allocating resources and determining research agendas. despite africa carrying a significant share of the global health burden, african scholars and policymakers remain underrepresented in leadership and authorship. this study investigates how power asymmetries influence the formulation of the global health agenda and identifies strategies to enhance african participation and leadership in global health policy.
METHODS:
a mixed methods design was applied, combining bibliometric analysis and qualitative inquiry. authorship data from major global health journals published between 2010 and 2024 were analysed to determine the proportion of africa based lead authors in africa focused studies. in parallel, semi structured interviews were conducted with 11 policymakers, researchers and advocates from 8 african countries. thematic analysis was used to identify structural barriers and facilitators influencing african representation in global health governance.
RESULTS:
the bibliometric analysis showed that less than 20 percent of lead authors in africa focused global health publications were affiliated with african institutions. interview participants reported barriers including limited access to research funding, unequal partnerships and editorial gatekeeping. respondents also highlighted growing regional collaborations, african led policy networks and increased institutional capacity as emerging opportunities to reshape the agenda.
CONCLUSIONS:
decolonising global health requires structural reform of funding systems, authorship norms and partnership models. centering african voices is essential for creating equitable, contextually relevant and sustainable health policies. meaningful inclusion of african experts in agenda setting and decision making will strengthen both the legitimacy and the effectiveness of global health governance
global health policy has historically been shaped by institutions and actors based in high income countries, often marginalising african perspectives in setting priorities, allocating resources and determining research agendas. despite africa carrying a significant share of the global health burden, african scholars and policymakers remain underrepresented in leadership and authorship. this study investigates how power asymmetries influence the formulation of the global health agenda and identifies strategies to enhance african participation and leadership in global health policy.
METHODS:
a mixed methods design was applied, combining bibliometric analysis and qualitative inquiry. authorship data from major global health journals published between 2010 and 2024 were analysed to determine the proportion of africa based lead authors in africa focused studies. in parallel, semi structured interviews were conducted with 11 policymakers, researchers and advocates from 8 african countries. thematic analysis was used to identify structural barriers and facilitators influencing african representation in global health governance.
RESULTS:
the bibliometric analysis showed that less than 20 percent of lead authors in africa focused global health publications were affiliated with african institutions. interview participants reported barriers including limited access to research funding, unequal partnerships and editorial gatekeeping. respondents also highlighted growing regional collaborations, african led policy networks and increased institutional capacity as emerging opportunities to reshape the agenda.
CONCLUSIONS:
decolonising global health requires structural reform of funding systems, authorship norms and partnership models. centering african voices is essential for creating equitable, contextually relevant and sustainable health policies. meaningful inclusion of african experts in agenda setting and decision making will strengthen both the legitimacy and the effectiveness of global health governance
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
