Luanda Hosts “Research for Life” Conference to Strengthen the Impact of Scientific Research in Angola

From April 28 to 30, Luanda will host the "Research for Life" conference, a national gathering that highlights the central role of science and research in formulating effective public policies and improving health outcomes. The initiative, led by Research4Life with support from the Private University of Angola (UPRA), Katyavala Bwila University, and the World Health Organization (WHO), brings together representatives from the government, academic institutions, research centers, and national and international partners, reinforcing the strategic importance of scientific research for Angola's sustainable development.

During the opening session, Dr. Tomaz Valdez, WHO Health Policy and Systems Coordinator in Angola, emphasized that "health is a fundamental human right, the sustainable guarantee of which requires decisions based on science, equity, and the effective use of knowledge," highlighting the role of scientific evidence in addressing public health challenges and strengthening health systems.

In the same context, the importance of the global Research4Life initiative was highlighted, which helps reduce inequalities in access to scientific knowledge by providing researchers, faculty, and students in low- and middle-income countries with free or low-cost access to scientific journals, academic books, and international databases, thereby reinforcing the use of evidence in decision-making.

The national coordinator of Research4Life in Angola, represented by Katyavala Bwila University, emphasized that "strengthening scientific research in the country requires consolidating sustainable access to knowledge and fostering effective collaboration among higher education institutions, research centers, and decision-makers," underscoring the importance of aligning research with national development priorities.

Throughout the conference, issues related to aligning scientific research with the needs of the population, integrating evidence into decision-making processes, and strengthening institutional capacity to promote more equitable, resilient, and evidence-based health systems were addressed.

The conference was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESCTI), the Foundation for Scientific and Technological Development (FUNDECIT), the National Center for Scientific Research (CNIC), the National Institute for Health Research (INIS), and the Angolan Health Research Center (CISA), as well as public and private universities, research centers, faculty, students, and national and international partners.

The initiative reaffirms the commitment of national institutions and international partners to strengthening science, research, and the use of evidence as pillars for more effective public policies and better health outcomes in Angola.