Building Inclusive Health Systems for People in Contact with the Criminal Justice System in Africa 

Pillar

Network Learning & Development

Health systems should protect dignity, prevent harm, and make sure no one is left behind—including people who pass through the criminal justice system. But across several African countries, these individuals are still cut off from the health services everyone else can access. These gaps not only undermine dignity and rights, but also create high-risk environments where inadequate healthcare can become an early warning sign for torture, ill-treatment, and broader systemic failure

In this session, Foluso Oluwadare Adegalu from the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) will share how countries can build more inclusive health systems that meet legal standards, support safety, and strengthen the well-being of people who encounter the criminal justice system. Drawing from real practice across the continent, he will show how simple improvements in coordination, continuity of care, and use of health data can become powerful tools for prevention and protection.

What you’ll learn 

• How inclusive health services in criminal-justice settings protect dignity, safety, and human rights. 

• Practical approaches to integrating criminal-justice related health needs into primary healthcare systems. 

• How continuity of care, effective documentation, and stronger use of health data can prevent small service gaps from escalating into serious harm 

This episode of the Health in Africa Series is relevant for anyone working in health, justice, human rights, governance or public policy—and for anyone committed to building systems that are safe, accountable and inclusive.

The Speaker

Foluso Oluwadare Adegalu is a Programme Officer at the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), where he supports African National Human Rights Institutions in strengthening governance, accountability, and implementation of regional and international standards. His work focuses on translating legal and normative frameworks into practical policy tools, institutional reforms, and cross-sector coordination strategies. He works closely with policymakers, oversight bodies, and civil society actors to advance rights-based approaches to development, institutional effectiveness, and inclusive public systems across African contexts.