• infodesk@wacihealth.org
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Youtube
Contact
CategoriesArticle
byWACI Health

Shaping Policy with Purpose: The Role of Civil Society and Budget Advocacy

Shaping Policy with Purpose: The Role of Civil Society and Budget Advocacy

What is Budget Advocacy? Budget advocacy is the process of examining public budgets—how funds are planned, allocated, and spent—and influencing these decisions to direct resources toward vital, yet often underfunded, areas. For example, if maternal health programs or research initiatives are consistently underfunded, advocates can bring evidence to the table, demonstrating the value and need for increased investment. By engaging through public campaigns, research, and direct dialogue with decision-makers, budget advocates highlight essential funding needs that align with both policy goals and community priorities.

“Every day is a budget day, everything is a budget thing, everyone is a budget person.” These are words that were echoed repeatedly by the trainers at the CHReaD budget advocacy training that took place from the 30th September to 3rd October 2024 in Machakos County, Kenya.

The Coalition for Health Research and Development (CHReaD) is a partnership of civil society organizations, research institutions, academia, and the private sector working together to promote research, innovation, and access to exciting new technologies in Kenya. WACI Health, as a founding member of CHreaD, has been an active member of the partnership since 2015.

The budget advocacy training aimed to build capacity around public financial management (PFM), with a special focus on budget advocacy for health research and development (R&D). The two-day training provided an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the Kenyan budget process at both national and county levels, while gaining the tools and skills necessary to influence budget decisions in favor of health R&D. The training was conducted by the Bajeti Hub. 

Fifteen people pose for a photo during the budget advocacy workshop.

Reflecting on the session, Gloria Mululu-Gathuru (Programs Officer) shared several key takeaways that highlight the importance of strategic budget advocacy in advancing health R&D goals. Here are her insights:

1. Budget Advocacy as a Strategic Tool

Budget advocacy is not just about numbers but about influencing decisions to ensure funding aligns with public needs. This involves not only understanding budget allocations but advocating for changes that support health, education, and social welfare priorities.

2. Understanding the Budget Cycle

Timing is an important factor in advocacy. Knowing the budget cycle stages—from formulation to implementation—allows advocates to engage effectively at each phase. For example, engaging early in the cycle is crucial for pushing health research and development financing, especially in Kenya’s public health sector where funding can be limited and competition high. By advocating during the initial stages, advocates can help ensure that critical issues, like research funding, gain visibility and prioritization within the budget. Additionally, timing advocacy efforts during the review and evaluation phases allows advocates to hold institutions accountable.

3. Promoting Accountability and Transparency

Budget advocacy drives accountability by pushing for transparency in how funds are allocated and spent. By analyzing budgets, advocates help hold decision-makers accountable to ensure resources reach their intended goals, supporting fair, community-oriented policies.

4. Empowering Communities Through Budget Advocacy

Budget advocacy can play a big role in amplifying marginalized voices. By representing community needs in budget discussions, advocates can ensure underserved populations have their priorities reflected in funding allocations, policy planning, and resource distribution.

5. Advocating for Long-term Investment

Sustained advocacy is needed for long-term investments in critical sectors like healthcare and education. These sectors often require continuous funding to drive meaningful, lasting change, which can only be achieved through steady, committed budget support.

6. Everyday Relevance of Budgeting

Lastly, as the phrase “Every day is a budget day, everything is a budget thing, everyone is a budget person” highlights, budgeting plays a pervasive role in advocacy. Integrating budget awareness and advocacy in everyday decision-making is essential for shaping effective policies and driving meaningful community impact.

Budget advocacy is essential for impactful policy work. It fosters transparency, empowers communities, and ensures that critical areas like health and education receive the resources they need. Understanding the budget cycle helps advocates engage strategically, securing funding for health research, development, and other vital programs. As we continue to advance these goals, budget advocacy remains a vital tool for achieving sustainable, equitable progress. 

CategoriesAfNHI Article
byWACI Health

Youth Cohort Perspective: 2024 International Workshop on Adolescence, SRHR, & HIV

Youth Cohort Perspective: 2024 International Workshop on Adolescence, SRHR, & HIV

The AfNHi Youth Cohort Mentorship Program is WACI Health’s signature youth leadership and advocacy initiative, designed to build a new generation of impactful health advocates. Each year, young people from across Africa participate in this mentorship program, learning from experienced mentors and experts in health advocacy. Beyond fostering individual growth, AfNHI is building a collective force committed to advancing sustainable health solutions on the continent, particularly in HIV prevention.
Hear from our 2024 Youth Cohort Mentee, Mariah Onyango!

Youth Advocacy in Action: A conference experience
By Mariah Onyango

Africa free of New HIV infections (AfNHi) mentorship program, powered by WACI Health, is an annual initiative designed to support young people from countries across Africa to become high-impact advocates for HIV prevention. I was fortunate to be part of this program, which not only helps us develop our skills but also connects us with like-minded peers, fosters meaningful engagement and builds our leadership capacities.

On October 2 to 4, I attended the International Workshop on Adolescence, SRHR, & HIV 2024 conference in Kenya focused on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and HIV.  The conference brought together advocates, clinicians, researchers, doctors, policy makers and activists. As a member of AfNHi mentorship program, I had the opportunity to speak on the challenges adolescent girls face in accessing information and services related to reproductive health in my community.

Sharing an account on the lived experiences of adolescents seeking information and services was an incredible opportunity that allowed me to bring real stories to the forefront and humanize the data. A key highlight was discussing the importance of providing diverse HIV prevention options, especially for sex workers. I also shared a scenario where an adolescent, who was seeking medical help, was met with a lecture on abstinence rather than receiving age-appropriate, respectful care. It is vital for service providers to deliver accurate health information without judgment, fostering a supportive environment for youth seeking reproductive health services and information.

During the conference, I connected with incredible individuals and we discussed the common challenges young people face globally. Many adolescents encounter service providers who lack proper training in youth-friendly care, resulting in experiences that can be disrespectful and dismissive of client needs. Limited access to contraceptive options and new HIV prevention methods is also a widespread issue. Mental health emerged as a significant concern across the discussions at the conference, and Y+ facilitated a session on self-care strategies for mental well-being.

One memorable moment for me was when a participant remarked, “Muting your friends and family is a form of self-care, even if they think you’re selfish.” This resonated deeply with me, knowing very well that takers will always take without caring if you have anything left to give.

Overall, the conference was an amazing experience, and I am grateful to the AfNHi mentorship program for making my participation possible.

CategoriesWACI Health News Article
byWACI Health

WACI Health at the World Health Summit

WACI Health at the World Health Summit

In October, WACI Health  joined global health stakeholders for the World Health Summit in Berlin, centered on the theme, “Building Trust for a Healthier World.” This year’s theme underscored the pressing need to restore confidence in health systems strained by inequities in a more complex global governance landscape. As Dr. Tedros A. Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, said in his opening: “Trust itself does not make people healthy, but no one can be healthy without trust.”

Civil society plays a critical role in building the trust necessary for effective health interventions. For WACI Health, the Summit was a vital platform to engage with civil society colleagues and experts around the world working to advance health equity, as well as partners from global health institutions, private sector, academia, and governments. The discussions reinforced the transformative shifts needed to build and maintain health systems that are resilient, well-resourced, and people-centered.

Highlights from our engagement at the World Health Summit:

Panel on Regional Manufacturing of Health Technologies
Rosemary Mburu, Executive Director of WACI Health, took part in a panel hosted by Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa CDC) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The session delved into regional manufacturing of medicines and other health technologies. Our intervention highlighted the need to create demand for locally-manufactured products through effective engagement with country governments and civil society. Ms Mburu emphasized the importance of including civil society and communities through all stages of the R&D process to ensure there is a market for the solutions that are being developed and they respond to the needs on the ground. The conversation was a powerful reminder of the role of regional manufacturing in building health resilience in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Collaboration with CEPI
As a civil society delegate with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Rosemary Mburu joined various discussions with CEPI and other LMIC representatives. The civil society delegates shared their knowledge and insights on ways to strengthen collaboration for pandemic preparedness. More needs to be done to elevate these voices in global pandemic preparedness conversations, and ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatments in future crises.

Participants sitting around a table at a town hall session at the World Health Summit. Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands is speaking.

Town Hall with the Global Fund
Rosemary Mburu moderated a town hall discussion with Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund, and fellow advocates of the Global Fund. The discussion offered an invaluable opportunity to discuss the Fund’s impact on communities and strategize together for its 8th Replenishment. Last month, the Global Fund Advocates Network (GFAN) released 8 Asks for the 8th Replenishment, a set of priorities that aim to maximize the Global Fund’s capacity to serve the world’s most vulnerable communities and set a renewed vision for global health. 

Intervention at the ONE Campaign’s Global Health Lab
WACI Health joined a critical discussion on the changing landscape of global health financing at the ONE Campaign’s Global Health Lab session. The session examined the mounting challenges to bridging funding gaps, especially in Africa, as donor support stagnates and an increasing number of global challenges reshape the landscape. WACI Health’s intervention called for a restructuring of the global financing ecosystem with a framework that better aligns resources to meet the needs of all nations, especially those in the Global South. We must ensure a more effective and equitable resource allocation that strengthens health systems in our countries and builds long-term sustainability.

Throughout the sessions, we noted the role of African leadership and the importance of the localization agenda, advocating for health systems that are led by and truly responsive to the communities they serve. Civil society engagement remains crucial, both to hold institutions accountable and to ensure that health strategies reflect and prioritize the community. As Dr. Tedros emphasized, “Everything we do depends on the trust of the communities we serve.”

In upcoming global governance conversations, including at the G20, WACI Health is committed to supporting equitable partnerships, elevating African leadership in health, and advocating for systems that place health equity at the forefront. We will continue amplifying civil society voices to ensure that health and community needs remain a central focus in global dialogues. 

CategoriesMeet the Team Edition Article
byWACI Health

Meet ‘Joyce’

‘Meet the Team Edition’ is a new series where you get to know our WACI Health Team much better. This month we will be focusing on Joyce Ng’ang’a, the Senior Policy Advisor at WACI Health. She is a senior WACI Health representative to high profile policymakers, practitioners, think-tanks, academic partners, the media and the public.

Question: What made you interested in advocacy and how long have you worked in this field?

Answer:
With 8 years at WACI Health and 17 years in advocacy overall, my career has transitioned from a background in nursing and health systems management to policy advocacy. My passion for policy advocacy stems from the significant impact it has on shaping global policies, which continually fuels my dedication and interest in this field.

Question: What has your experience been at WACI and what are your key takeaways?

Answer:

Over the past eight years at WACI Health, I’ve had an enriching experience that has significantly shaped my personal and professional growth. I’ve acquired valuable skills such as policy analysis, advocacy, and gained exposure to global health policymaking and fundraising processes. Networking has also been a key part of this journey. The skills I’ve developed in advocacy have fostered a mindset that believes “everything is achievable.”

To achieve success, it’s essential to start with a clear end goal. If you fall short, it’s important to revisit and adjust your strategy. Success often comes through careful planning, involving the right stakeholders, and engaging the right people and processes. Even when outcomes don’t align with expectations, failure isn’t a loss but rather a valuable learning opportunity.

Question: What advice would you give to Africans looking to strengthen their advocacy and pushing for health for all?

Answer:

Collaboration is essential for success in this sector. To see results, you must work with others, strategize together, and leverage skills from various players and sectors. Timely planning is crucial, as processes like Universal Health Coverage (UHC) follow strict timelines, and there are related global, regional, and country-level processes to consider.

A shift in mindset is also necessary—Africa is often perceived as poor and dependent on external support, but it is rich in resources. These resources must be unlocked and directed towards important causes like HIV prevention. Supporting drug manufacturing within Africa is vital, as not all countries have the capacity to do so.

Question: What do you think is the most critical issue facing the communities we serve, and how are we addressing it at WACI Health?

Answer:

One of the greatest challenges communities face is being consistently overlooked in ongoing processes and planning, resulting in them being placed last. At WACI Health, our advocacy centers on equity, ensuring that everyone receives the care or treatment they need in an equitable manner. We emphasize that communities must be prioritized first. They have the capacity to design interventions that work for them, leading to impactful results. By placing communities at the forefront, we can use resources and time more effectively, focusing on high-impact interventions created by the communities themselves.

Additionally, communities receive minimal resources. One of WACI Health’s key advocacy areas is ensuring that funding directed toward countries significantly reaches communities. We also advocate for preventive and promotive care as part of primary healthcare, with communities leading the way in prevention efforts. Prioritizing those most affected by or living with particular conditions is essential, and we have data showing which communities have been left behind.

For example, rising HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence disproportionately affect adolescent girls and young women. Targeted interventions are necessary for these groups. Moreover, community-led monitoring, where communities collect and analyze their own data, is critical. This data must be considered in decision-making processes to ensure no one is left behind.

Question: What upcoming project or area of work are you excited about, and why?

Answer:

At WACI Health, we are engaged in several exciting and impactful programs. Firstly, the Bridge for Health project integrates sexual reproductive health, HIV prevention and treatment, and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with a focus on sustainability beyond donor funding. The goal is to ensure that by 2030, countries can sustain their health systems domestically, even without external financial support.

Secondly, in HIV prevention, new tools like the LEN injection, Dapivirine vaginal ring, and Cabotegravir (CAB LA) injections are now available, offering more options beyond oral PrEP. We advocate for providing communities with a range of choices, allowing them to select what works best for them at different stages in life. A dual prevention pill for both pregnancy and HIV prevention is also on the horizon, which will be a significant breakthrough alongside existing methods like condoms.

Thirdly, our advocacy for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has gained momentum recently, and we are optimistic that it will lead to critical solutions in this area. Lastly, we are excited to advocate for local manufacturing in Africa.

Question: One interesting/ unique thing you love doing.

Answer:

I enjoy taking long drives while listening to music as a way to clear my mind.

Question: Best song you’re currently listening to?

Answer:

I enjoy R&B music from the 80s and 90s, and I am currently listening to “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston.

 

CategoriesWACI Health News Article
byWACI Health

Celebrating 20 Years of ACTION

Celebrating 20 Years of ACTION

1

In October 2024, the ACTION Global Health Partnership marked its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of advancing political leadership for major global health initiatives and equitable health outcomes across the world. ACTION is a partnership of 14 locally rooted, independent civil society organizations working across continents in both the Global North and South, driven by a shared mission to ensure equitable health outcomes for all. 

Since joining the Partnership in 2014, WACI Health has worked closely with partners to strengthen political will and leadership to end the TB epidemic, improve immunization and nutrition efforts, and build sustainable health systems.

Through ACTION, partners leverage their insights, experiences, and networks for coordinated advocacy on critical global health issues. Being part of ACTION provides WACI Health with unique opportunities for knowledge-sharing, coordinating messaging, and conducting joint advocacy through multiple entry points in the Global South and Global North. 

We convene civil society groups and facilitate their engagement with global decision-makers, informing health policies and programs that prioritize equity and accountability. Together, we also engage communities and political leaders to demonstrate the value and impact of health investments. This collaboration amplifies our collective voice and expands the reach of our strategic and targeted advocacy.

WACI Health congratulates the ACTION Global Health Partnership for 20 years of effecting change and looks forward to our continued work together to advance health equity.

Learn more about ACTION.

2

 

Copyright © 2024 WACI HEALTH. All Rights Reserved. Designed By Pinch Africa.