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May 21, 2025Reflections from the Nairobi 5th Cochrane Indaba
As the sun set over Nairobi on Thursday, 15th May 2025, the curtains fell on a remarkable gathering that pulsed with purpose and promise. The 5th Cochrane Indaba drew to a close—its energy still echoing in the minds of the 144 delegates from 11 countries who had come together not just to exchange ideas, but also to shape the future of health policy in Africa.
For two days, the conference buzzed with bold conversations, transformative insights, and a shared commitment to ensuring that research moves beyond the pages of academic journals to meaningfully influence health decisions across the continent. This wasn’t just a meeting—it was a movement. A vibrant platform where evidence met experience, and knowledge became a tool for action.
In addition to engaging plenaries, a standout feature of the Indaba was its 11 concurrent workshops—described by many as “mini laboratories” where participants rolled up their sleeves for hands-on learning and practical skill development. The sessions, led by a mix of regional and international experts, covered critical topics such as consumer engagement in research, addressing equity in systematic reviews, and adapting clinical guidelines using the globally recognised GRADE methodology.
“The workshops were not only designed for capacity building, but they were also meant to spark innovation,” said a Co-Director of Cochrane Kenya, Ms. Barbara Miheso and adds, “they gave researchers and practitioners the tools to lead the evidence agenda at home.”
In her opening remarks, Prof. Jennifer Orwa, a founding member of Cochrane Kenya, reminded attendees that evidence is only as powerful as its ability to shape practice. She underscored Cochrane Kenya’s central role in producing high-quality systematic reviews to support evidence-based healthcare across the region.
A strong theme that emerged across the sessions was the call for deeper integration of research evidence into health policymaking. Delegates urged African governments and institutions to formalise mechanisms that ensure evidence informs planning, budgeting, and service delivery. This, they argued, is not only good policy—it is good practice.
Capacity building also loomed large on the agenda. Participants called for more targeted training, particularly in the interpretation and application of research findings for non-scientists such as journalists, civil society actors, policymakers, and frontline health workers.
Another resounding call came for adapting global knowledge tools to local realities. Many attendees shared frustrations that current toolkits are often too generic, missing the mark in addressing the political, cultural, and health system nuances that define African contexts.
“Currently, the available knowledge management toolkits are generic, most of which do not fit into our local needs,” observed Co-Director of Cochrane Kenya, Ms. Lilian Mayieka. “We must develop knowledge translation tools that reflect our local needs.”
This sentiment was echoed in discussions that celebrated the value of community-driven approaches. Storytelling, theatre, and participatory dialogue were praised as powerful vehicles for demystifying scientific findings and making research more relatable to ordinary citizens. Innovation was another bright thread woven through the Indaba.
Delegates explored the promise of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and ‘living evidence’ systems—real-time evidence updating tools—to accelerate decision-making. But they were quick to stress that such technologies must be user-friendly, affordable, and tailored for the African health context.
“Technology is only transformative when it is accessible and speaks to local needs,” noted one panellist. “We must invest in digital infrastructure not just for the sake of progress, but to meaningfully bridge the gap between research and real-world health outcomes.”
As the final panel closed and delegates bid farewell, one consensus rang clear: “Africa’s path to resilient, peoplecentred health systems lies in making evidence not only accessible but also actionable, inclusive, and locally rooted”.
The 5th Cochrane Indaba may have ended—but the conversations it sparked, the connections it forged, and the vision it advanced will continue to resonate across the continent for years to come.
