Why do some groundbreaking health studies change national policy while others never leave the pages of a journal?
Every year, researchers generate evidence with the potential to transform health systems and improve lives. Yet too often, high-quality research fails to influence policy—not because the science is weak, but because it is not translated into forms that decision-makers can act on.
In the next Health in Africa webinar, join Dr. Collins Okoyo—a Principal Statistician at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and a globally recognized expert in health data science, epidemiology, and mathematical modelling—as he draws on more than a decade of experience generating evidence that informs disease control programs and public health decision-making across Africa.
In this practical session, you’ll learn:
- The key factors that shape whether research influences policy decisions.
- The common barriers that prevent evidence from reaching policymakers.
- Practical strategies for communicating and translating research into policy and practice.
- Real-world examples of successful research-to-policy translation that have improved health outcomes.
Drawing from his extensive work on neglected tropical diseases, digital health information systems, and advanced statistical modelling, Dr. Okoyo will share practical lessons on bridging the gap between research and policy to achieve lasting impact.
Join us to discover practical strategies for translating evidence into policies that strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes.
Speaker
Collins Okoyo, BSc, MSc, PGP, PhD is a Principal Statistician and Acting Deputy Director in the Department of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Informatics (DESI) at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). He also serves as Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre on Monitoring and Evaluation of Neglected Tropical Diseases and Program Director of the KEMRI/AIMS Program.
With over 12 years of experience in data science, statistical analysis, mathematical modelling, and data management, Dr. Okoyo specializes in analysing complex health datasets, including randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, and geostatistical data. His research focuses on the transmission, control, and risk patterns of neglected tropical diseases, while also applying modelling approaches to communicable and noncommunicable diseases. He has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and actively contributes to international scientific committees and technical working groups.
More News & Events
Skip scroller content
Building Bridges for Safer Births: How Funmi Odushola connects trusted community caregivers with formal healthcare in Nigeria
Safe childbirth often depends on more than access to a health facility—it depends on trust. In Nigeria, Funmi Odushola is helping build bridges between traditional community caregivers and the formal health system to support healthier pregnancies and safer births.
Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening 2026: Unlocking Africa Through Youth-led Health Innovation
The 2026 Annual Convening will spotlight Africa’s greatest strength—its young people, bringing together young innovators, health leaders, universities, governments, and ecosystem catalysts to explore practical solutions to Africa’s PHC challenges.
From Nurse to Changemaker: Betty Etornam Yibor’s Mission to Keep Girls in School
Read about how Betty Etornam Yibor is combining healthcare, advocacy, and social impact to improve the lives of girls and communities across Ghana.
Apply for the Fully-Funded Effective Healthcare Management Program (2026-2027 Cohort)
Apply for this fully-funded 9-month online program designed to equip Africa’s next generation of healthcare leaders with advanced skills in healthcare management and strategic leadership.
Women Innovators Shaping Africa’s Health Future: Highlights from FemSTEM Africa 2026
The programme culminated in a showcase of six women-led ventures from across Africa addressing some of the continent’s most pressing health challenges through locally developed and contextually relevant solutions.
KAARAANGE and HerbIma Take Top Honors at #HIFest2026 Pitch Competition
HIFest 2026 demonstrated that when young innovators are equipped with the right networks, mentorship, and opportunities, they are well-positioned to help shape the future of healthcare on the continent.
Beyond Hospitals and Academia: Career Pathways for Scientists and Health Professionals
Join Dr. Anniemarie Suma Maumba for the next Health in Africa Webinar series as we explore the diverse career opportunities available across the healthcare sector.
What Ghana’s Vaccine Ambitions Teach Us About Africa’s Health Sovereignty
Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Vaccine Institute (NVI), shares Ghana’s compelling vision for health sovereignty at the Health Innovation Festival (HIFest 2026) in Accra.
Health Innovation Festival 2026 Opens in Ghana with a Call for Collaboration, Innovation, and Investment
HIFest 2026 brings together emerging entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and health-sector leaders from across Africa and beyond to explore locally driven solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing healthcare challenges
Inside HIFest 2026: Meet the 37 Ventures Shaping the Future of Health in Africa
These African-led ventures represent some of the most promising health innovations advancing primary healthcare, entrepreneurship, and health systems strengthening across the continent.