HEPI

The HEPI (Health Economics for Policy Impact) proposal utilise an existing European research infrastructure, the ELIXIR, to develop the scientific integration of Europe and Africa in the area of health economics, and to promote better integration of research in policy processes. Our Objectives for HEPI are directly aligned with the key areas of ‘sustainable growth and jobs’ and ‘peace, security and governance’ outlined in the European Union and European External Action Service’s ‘Towards a comprehensive strategy with Africa’, specifically in the field of population health and health system strengthening. We will (i) facilitate improved policy and research interactions in health economics and financing in Africa, (ii) foster alignment between academic and political infrastructures in health economics across Europe and Africa and facilitate the sharing of resources, (iii) strengthen capacity at institutional level, and (iv) strengthen the capability of individual researchers and policymakers to produce, interpret and apply health economic evidence. We will establish and expand Health Economics Communities of Practice (HE COPs) in both East and West Africa. These platforms will bring together stakeholders from member states’ policy and academic communities to strengthen health economics knowledge, support the uptake of research evidence into policy, and enhance collaboration on pertinent health policy issues. We will align academic and political infrastructures in Europe and Africa in the field of health economics, and lay the foundation for sharing of materials, methods and data. We will support higher education institutions to enhance their capacity in training highly skilled professionals proficient in health economics methods. Finally, we will promote individual capability building by providing personalized guidance and support through a 2 year mentorship program.