Umbrella Fund: MoU with Fact Foundation and University of Maiduguri

On 18th September, Fact Foundation and the University of Maiduguri formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under The Umbrella Fund | Geospatial Interventions project. This partnership represents a significant step toward advancing data-driven solutions in humanitarian response, public health, and development planning across Northeast Nigeria. It also signals the University’s strong commitment to the institutionalisation of the geospatial data curriculum currently being developed under this initiative. The signing event was attended by the newly elected Deputy Vice Chancellors, alongside other high-ranking officials of the University. Their presence and endorsement reflect a commitment to this initiative beyond the six-month project timeline. By combining Fact Foundation’s expertise in research and capacity building with the University’s academic strength and regional presence, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable, locally anchored interventions. As part of this collaboration, the geospatial capacity-building component is specifically targeted at strengthening the skills of data managers at the borno state primary health care agency (BSPHCDA). The goal is to enhance their ability to apply geospatial data for planning, monitoring, and evaluating health interventions and campaigns, ensuring maximum impact and better health outcomes. Together, we are committed to driving innovation, building capacity, and ensuring that geospatial data becomes a tool for resilience and improved decision-making.

When we developed the Gates Foundation supported The Umbrella Fund | Geospatial Interventions in November 2024, our stakeholder consultations across Nigeria and DRC highlighted an opportunity: geospatial training could have greater impact if embedded within local academic institutions for continuous access. Our curriculum institutionalization intervention builds on this insight - partnering with universities to create permanent training infrastructure that serves health programs year-round. The MoU between Fact Foundation and University of Maiduguri brings this vision to life in #BornoState. #UniMaid will now house geospatial training for borno state primary health care agency (BSPHCDA) and future health data cohorts, ensuring continuous #capacitybuilding. This marks our third institutional partnership, joining others across Nigeria and DRC. [Read more: https://lnkd.in/dc8DxkG3] The significance for #Borno: establishing reliable training infrastructure that can support the state's critical polio surveillance work and broader health programming needs over the long term. As implementation continues, we're excited to see these academic partnerships mature into self-sustaining centers of excellence - creating a network of 1,800+ trained personnel who will strengthen health systems for years to come. #GeospatialForHealth #SystemsChange #DataForImpact #SystemsStrengthening #GeospatialData #UmbrellaFund #GatesFoundation

IRS Global – Feasibility Study 2022 In 2022, Integrated Research Solutions Global (IRS Global) conducted a Feasibility Study – Expanding Access to Inclusive Education and Healthcare to Rural Communities through Systems Strengthening in Sindh, Pakistan. Commissioned by CBM – Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission e.V., the study explored how inclusive eye health, health, and education can be advanced through a Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) approach. Key Focus: Assess project feasibility and relevance to community needs Map integration into public systems for sustainability Analyze acceptance, political will & socio-economic impact Provide evidence-based recommendations for stronger project design Impact: The study equipped project partners and policymakers with a clear roadmap to strengthen inclusive systems and ensure that interventions are sustainable, impactful, and responsive to rural communities’ realities. #InclusiveDevelopment #Healthcare #Education #FeasibilityStudy #IRSGlobal #CBID #Pakistan #ResearchForImpact #CBMPakistan #SIVOS #HANDS

Together with the Sub-Saharan Africa Consortium for Advanced Biostatistics (SSACAB Programme), APHRC is hosting a one-week training in Dakar, Senegal (Sept 22–25, 2025). APHRC’s Dr. Cheikh Mbacké Faye, in his remarks, said, “Building capacity in research is at the heart of APHRC’s mission, particularly for young African researchers who will drive the continent’s scientific future.” Speaking on behalf of the SSACAB Prof. Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala noted: “Advanced Biostatistics is not just a technical skill. It is a cornerstone for high-quality health and population research that can inform evidence-based policies.” Throughout the week, participants from across West and Central Africa will strengthen their skills in advanced statistical methods and foster regional collaboration. #CapacityBuilding #ResearchImpact #WeAreAfrica #APHRCResearch

TDR the program is said to promote equity, inclusivity and others. Yet, denies prospective candidates above 40 years of age this opportunity to build capacity, knowledge and skills to excel or contribute in IR. Could the limitation be reviewed to promote quality and accessible education even to the undeserved and those that may have had a challenge accessing education earlier in life?

🎓 #PhD vs. #DrPH – What Pakistan Needs More? In #Pakistan’s public health landscape, there is often confusion between a PhD in Public Health and a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). Both are doctoral degrees, but their purposes are very different—and this distinction matters for our country’s future. ✅ PhD in Public Health Research-intensive 📑 Focuses on generating new knowledge Best suited for academia, scientific publications, and research institutes ✅ Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Practice & #leadership-oriented 🌍 Focuses on applying evidence into policy and practice. Prepares professionals for leadership roles in government, INGOs, NGOs, and health systems management 👉 Pakistan faces a dual challenge: 1. #Weak_health_governance 2. Limited evidence-based policymaking While we need PhDs to strengthen our research base, we equally—if not more—need DrPH-trained professionals who can translate research into real-world impact. 💡 Investing in both pathways is essential if Pakistan is to meet its #UHC, #PHC, #AMR, and #MNCH goals. #PublicHealth #DrPH #PhD #HealthLeadership #Pakistan #UHC #MNCH #HealthSystems #publichealth_drlaghari

The Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) has been awarded a seven-year core grant from Wellcome Trust to strengthen its world-class research and training across Africa. Building on a 30-year partnership between LSTM, the University of Liverpool, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, and Wellcome, the new funding will expand research tackling infectious and maternal health, health systems, and climate-health, strengthen data science and innovation and support the next generation of African research leaders. Watch Professor Henry Mwandumba, MLW Director, share how this grant will open new opportunities for early career researchers to become future global health leaders. Read more about the award: https://lnkd.in/eR6RF6_B

WWF Uganda is set to partner with Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST) to integrate the One Health approach into the university’s curriculum and establish a One Health Centre of Excellence, a move aimed at building a new generation of professionals equipped to tackle emerging health and environmental challenges. Paul Hatanga, the GVL Coordinator at WWF Uganda adds that under the recently Launched One Health Program, WWF and partners will collaborate with Mbarara University in four critical areas that include establishing a One Health Centre of Excellence for education and training with inclusion of gender and marginalized groups, designing curricula that integrate the One Health approach into relevant academic programs, facilitating training sessions and short courses at the Centre for One Health, and supporting specific research studies at Master’s and PhD levels. According to Prof. Joseph Ngonzi Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at MUST, the engagement is timely and aligned well with the National Council for Higher Education’s directive for all universities to review their curricula by March 2026.

Applying the Capability Approach to the Economic Evaluation of Informal Care in Saudi Arabia We are delighted to welcome Mohammed Alluhidan to HEHP@Bristol as a PhD student supervised by Dr. Paul Mitchell and Professor Joanna Coast in collaboration with Alfaisal University. Mohammed’s research focuses on developing a capability-based measure to inform the economic evaluation of informal care in Saudi Arabia. Building on the capability approach and inspired by the ICECAP framework, his work explores how unpaid caregiving influences wellbeing, autonomy, and opportunity, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of value in health and social care. The project draws on Bristol’s leadership in capability research and economic evaluation, combined with Mohammed’s experience in health economics and policy at the Saudi Health Council, contributing to the global evidence base on valuing care and wellbeing. Welcome to the University of Bristol and Bristol community, Mohammed.

The International Medical Academic Alliance's project to upgrade a primary care clinic in Addis Ababa is fully funded! For over 30 years, IMAA has partnered with the Seventh-day Adventist Union Mission to support a holistic ministry in Ethiopia—including education, healthcare, and sustainable farming. Now, because of your support, they can move forward with critical improvements to their medical facility. ASI has selected 41 projects like this to receive grants from this year's convention offering of nearly $2 million. Each will receive full funding unless circumstances require redirection to other ASI-approved missions. Together we transform lives! Find out more about the 41 funded projects: https://lnkd.in/gU8Z6RR6 #ASINational #ASIMinistries #ASI2025 #PartnersInMission