Amid shifting global dynamics, higher education institutions have a powerful opportunity to lead a new era of innovation in primary healthcare (PHC) systems. In the next episode of the Health in Africa Series, we explore practical strategies that academic institutions can apply to strengthen PHC systems, especially in resource-constrained settings.
Join Dr. Patrick Tumusiime Kagurusi, Medical Doctor, Public Health Specialist, and Country Manager at Amref Health Africa in Uganda, as he shares bold insights to help transform academic institutions into hubs of innovation, resilience and community-driven action.
What you’ll learn:
- How academic institutions can become innovation hubs for sustainable PHC
- How to modernize education with interdisciplinary, systems-based learning
- Ways to strengthen partnerships with government, communities and civil society
- How to leverage technology and lifelong learning for real-world impact
Who should tune in?
✅ Leaders of schools of public health
✅ Curriculum developers and health educators
✅ Health policymakers and program implementers ✅ Global health partners and funders ✅ Students and future health leaders
The Speaker:
Dr Patrick Kagurusi, MPH, HCMTC, MBCHB, Medical Doctor, Public Health Specialist Country Manager, Amref Health Africa in Uganda
Dr. Kagurusi is an accomplished public health specialist with 20 years of experience in leadership roles within the Primary healthcare (PHC) sectors of low & middle-income countries. His expertise spans Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAHN), Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), and HIV prevention. Currently, he leads a six-year Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Programme in Uganda’s high-burden districts, focused on empowering young people, women, men, and individuals with disabilities to access their SRHR free from violence.
As the Country Director for Amref Health Africa in Uganda, he has championed the rollout of the 2022 National Community Health Strategy and facilitated the registration and support of over 30,000 Community Health Workers (CHWs). He advocates for domestic financing for community health and the DESC (Digitization, Equipping, Supervision, and Compensation) approach for CHWs.
Dr. Kagurusi has also been influential in family planning and reproductive health programs across East, Central, and Southern Africa, and has held significant roles at Makerere University School of Public Health, a PNFP Mission Hospital, and within local government and refugee emergencies in Uganda. With a foundation in human medicine and public health, he is dedicated to improving health outcomes for communities in Uganda and beyond.
About Amref Health Africa
Amref Health Africa, headquartered in Kenya, is the largest Africa-based international health and development organization providing training and health services to over 20 million people annually in at least 30 countries in Africa. Amref continues to evolve and innovate its approaches to increase sustainable health access among communities.
Amref manages a full range of medical and public health programmes tackling the continent’s most critical health challenges – including global health emergencies, communicable and non-communicable diseases, neglected tropical diseases, maternal and childcare, water, sanitation, and climate change. Much of our credibility with local communities and African governments stems from the relationship and trust we have built over the past 65 years. For more information, visit www.amref.org.
More News & Events
Skip scroller content
Beyond the Agenda: Bringing Mental Health and Well-being into the 2026 AHC Annual Convening
At the 2026 Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening, mental health and well-being move beyond discussion into practice. Through quiet spaces, art therapy, movement, and youth-led innovation, AHC is creating a convening experience that supports meaningful participation, connection, leadership, and lasting impact.
Meet the Ventures Showcasing at the 2026 Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening
These ventures advancing primary healthcare, entrepreneurship and health systems strengthening across Africa will showcase their innovations at the 2026 Annual AHC Convening.
From Clinic to Country: Building Ethiopia’s First Integrated Model for Older Adult Health
What began with one doctor questioning fragmented care for older adults has grown into a pioneering model for Ethiopia. With leadership skills strengthened through the IMIx Certificate, Dr. Asrat built an integrated clinic now informing the country’s healthy aging efforts.
Apply for the Fully-Funded Healthy Futures South Africa (HFSA) PhD Fellowship Programme
This four-year programme supports emerging African health researchers and leaders to conduct community-focused research, strengthen health systems, and translate evidence into meaningful policy impact.
Ubuntu Rising Centres Youth Leadership, Innovation and Employment in Africa’s Health Future
More than 80 young health professionals, innovators and leaders gathered at Ubuntu Rising to advance youth leadership, innovation and employment. Their nine recommendations will inform the Africa Health Collaborative’s Youth Agenda and strengthen pathways for young people across Africa’s health ecosystem.
Advancing Health Equity in Africa: How Universities, Civil Society, and Communities Can Strengthen Primary Health Care
In the next HiAS, we explore how governments, universities, civil society and communities can work together to strengthen PHC and advance UHC in Africa, drawing on practical experiences, community engagement and lessons for building more equitable, resilient and people-centred health systems.
Emerging Leaders’ Day: From Youth Participation to Youth Influence
Emerging Leaders’ Day will bring together young health leaders from across Africa to build leadership skills, strengthen networks, and influence conversations shaping the future of health systems.
Leading Change Through Lived Experience
Across Africa, an emerging generation of health leaders is transforming personal challenges into powerful innovations. Through the AHC’s Young Leaders Committee, young researchers, entrepreneurs, technologists, and advocates are drawing on lived experiences with illness, caregiving, mental health, and healthcare inequities to design solutions that strengthen health systems and expand access to care.
2027-2028 Doctor of Public Health Scholarships Open
We are pleased to announce the start of the 2027-2028 Mastercard Foundation graduate scholarship recruitment at the University of Toronto. This doctoral scholarship opportunity is open to recent alumni and graduating students at our Africa Health Collaborative partner universities. These graduate scholarships will be awarded to individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence in associated health-related disciplines […]
Health Innovation as a Pathway to Africa’s Health Sovereignty
Join the next HiAS as Dr. Robert Karanja explores how talent, research, investment, policy, and partnerships can unlock Africa’s potential in digital health, biotechnology, and deep-tech innovation.