When the McGoldrick Program decided to change directions, it found a synergistic partner in ARISE (the Africa Research, Implementation Science, and Education Network). By collaborating with a network of institutions that already made biostatistical capacity building a priority, the McGoldrick Program was able to leverage existing institutional relationships to start preparing for trainings immediately after the pivot.
Below you can read more about the ARISE Network, including contact information.
The Africa Research, Implementation Science, and Education (ARISE) Network was established in response to a clear and compelling need for greater, more sustainable public capacity in Africa. A collaborative effort between leading African institutions, ARISE serves as a platform for robust for robust research and cutting-edge education in the region.
Recognizing shared needs and goals among African partners, the Africa Academy for Public Health (AAPH), a center of excellence in health systems and implementation science in the African region, convened the ARISE Network. ARISE partners share a common commitment to improving population health through enhanced capacity and more effective programs. Longstanding training initiatives between leading academic institutions in the region an the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health provide a strong foundation for advancing public health impact.
The ARISE Network has member institutions and organizations from several countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Together, this group of distinguished colleagues is working towards a common goal: to develop the next generation of public health leaders in Africa.
The future of ARISE: robust training, strong leaders, and greater health impact
The ARISE Network aims to simultaneously equip leaders to put evidence into action more rapidly and more effectively, while creating robust training programs that are self-sustaining.
ARISE benefits from the combined strengths of academic and research institutions with various specialties. Bringing together expertise in research methods, program design, implementation science, and measurement and evaluation, the Network will be able to provide comprehensive training across a range of health systems and topical focus areas.
Training activities will be designed to prepare a new cadre of public health professionals to translate research findings into policies and programs, and to bring successful interventions to scale. ARISE hopes to offer collaborative training through novel competency-based degree programs, intensive short courses for critical skill development, and multidisciplinary mentorship . Building upon existing institutional strengths, educational efforts will focus on implementation strategies to maximize effectiveness, efficiency, quality and long-term sustainability of health interventions and policies, while reinforcing locally and regionally-led capacity building efforts.
A unique strength of the ARISE Network lies in the ability for trainees across the region to collaborate and learn from one another as they advance in their careers. Alumni of the Network will be encouraged to further contribute to the development of dynamic curriculum, lead training efforts, and mentor junior colleagues. By channeling trainee experiences into educational efforts, ARISE aims to create an iterative, sustainable approach to growing public health capacity and improving health across the region.
Bringing priority issues into focus
The Network has vast experience and particular expertise in the areas of maternal, neonatal, a nd child health (MNCH)—priority areas for sub-Saharan Africa as a whole.
Collaborative training initiatives will therefore aim to prepare public health professionals to address the critical needs of these populations. Building on past and current experience in pediatric infectious disease, adolescent health, and maternal and child health and nutrition, a multidisciplinary approach will enable trainees to understand and examine the epidemiology, economics and policies related to MNCH health challenges.
ARISE will also be able to link researchers and decision makers across disciplines to develop and carry out studies, identify gaps, and create sustainable solutions together. Recognizing that public health professionals across the region not only face similar challenges—often in isolation of one another—but also bring unique, valuable perspectives, ARISE aims to create opportunities for continuous information sharing and collaboration. Strengthened through their combined experience and expertise, public health leaders will be empowered to address some of sub-Saharan Africa’s most pressing health needs.
Ultimately, ARISE will create a connected network of African leaders in translational research, program design and evaluation, and health policy development who will generate new knowledge and move evidence to action, improving the health and lives of women and their families across the region.
Convening partners: Africa Academy for Public Health; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
