From the Office of the Founder/Director

In most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) of the world including Nigeria, health outcomes have been described as unacceptably low. At the centre of this human crisis is a failure of health systems and inappropriate policymaking process. Unfortunately, in many LMICs – the weak health systems and inappropriate policies are impeding the success of the various health intervention programs being implemented. This situation is further burdened with a number of other challenges including the lack of requisite skill, knowledge and capacity among those concerned with the health policy and health systems of our country. Yet there are very few formal platforms to enhance the capacity of those involved in making policy and strengthening our health systems.

For instance, there is a severe lack of highly skillful policymakers with advanced degrees (especially MSc and PhD) in Health Policy/Knowledge Translation. Most individuals occupying very high policymaking positions in the health sector have only related higher degree qualifications and not the specific higher degrees in this sub-specialty. The lack of highly skillful manpower in health policy and systems is adversely affecting the policymaking process. This explains why LMICs are still struggling with getting the health systems to work adequately.

The African Institute for Health Policy & Health Systems was therefore established to address this capacity constraint. The establishment of this Institute is a practical demonstration of the University’s resolve to position the Institute as an international centre excellence in research and learning in health policy & health systems.