On February 19, 2026 in Arusha, Ifakara Health Institute had a strategic engagement with Dr Ntuli Angyelile Kapologwe, the Director General of the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA‑HC) to explore opportunities for forging a strong partnership aimed at improving health and well-being across the region.

The meeting focused on identifying areas of collaboration that build on Ifakara Health Institute’s extensive experience in health systems strengthening, impact evaluation, and policy research, while aligning with ECSA-HC’s regional mandate to support member states in advancing resilient and equitable health systems.

On behalf of the Institute, Dr Grace Mhalu, Head of the Health Systems, Interventions, Impact Evaluation and Policy Department, along with Research Scientist Donat Shamba, held a highly engaging discussion with Dr Kapologwe. 

The engagement underscored a shared commitment to leveraging research and regional collaboration to inform policies that can accelerate progress toward stronger health systems and better health outcomes for communities across East, Central, and Southern Africa.

Ifakara Health Institute looks forward to deepening this collaboration with ECSA-HC and working together to translate evidence into action that supports healthier populations across the region.