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.
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