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P E R FOR M A NC E I N FOR M A T I ON
decisions. This work directly supports processes University of Zambia School of Medicine and
for reviewing and updating the National Standard participation in the 5th Cochrane Africa Indaba in
Treatment Guidelines and the Essential Medicines Kenya.
List. Participants included the Deputy Director
of the Essential Drugs Programme (EDP) and CSA scientists further contributed to international
members of the EDP Oversight Group within the technical working groups and initiatives led by
Affordable Medicines Directorate of the NDoH. the World Health Organization. These included
The EDP Oversight Group oversees the work of Dr Duduzile Ndwandwe’s participation in WHO
the ministerially appointed National Essential Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) immunisation
Medicines List Committee (NEMLC) and its Expert meetings, Dr Anelisa Jaca’s participation in
Review Committee. the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts
(SAGE) Typhoid Working Group meetings, and Mr
CSA also strengthened strategic collaborations Ameer Hohlfeld’s involvement in the International
at continental and global levels. This included Guideline Training and Certification Programme
hosting a high-level delegation from the Africa (INGUIDE). These engagements reinforce CSA’s
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to role in addressing regional and global health
advance evidence synthesis and policy translation evidence gaps and promoting the use of reliable
across Africa. Additional initiatives aimed at evidence to improve population health outcomes.
strengthening the Southern African Evidence
Network included workshops hosted at the Building Capacity Through
Training, Mentorship, and Support
Capacity development remained a cornerstone of
CSA’s work during the 2025/2026 financial year, with
a strong emphasis on promoting equity, dignity,
and inclusion in health research and healthcare
decision-making. The Unit implemented several
initiatives to empower researchers, policymakers,
and health system stakeholders with the skills
needed to generate and use evidence responsibly
and equitably.
CSA hosted and facilitated multiple workshops
in evidence-based healthcare synthesis for
postgraduate students, early-career researchers,
and health sector decision makers from diverse
institutions and provinces. These workshops
emphasised practical, hands-on learning and
supported participants in framing research
questions grounded in real health system
challenges. By strengthening methodological
skills and understanding of evidence appraisal,
CSA contributes to reducing inequities in who can
produce and use high-quality health evidence.
Particular attention was given to supporting
participants involved in national policy processes,
thereby enhancing the credibility and relevance of
evidence used in decisions affecting population
health.
Cochrane SA staff also supported knowledge CSA also supported knowledge exchange and
exchange and professional development professional development through participation in
through participation in international evidence international evidence and knowledge translation
and knowledge translation forums
forums. Staff exhibited the Cochrane Library at
the 17th International Aging Conference held in
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