This week, 25 leading experts from civil society, research institutions, academia, and the private sector convened in Nakuru for a high-stakes SMART Advocacy Training led by the Coalition for Health Research and Development (CHReaD).

Samuel Makau, the CHReaDCoalition coordinator, said, ” The time for smart advocacy for Africa is now given the changing times.” Makau asserted, that civil society organizations should continue advocacy so long as they work together and co-create projects that are inclusive.

Additionally, Imali Ngusale, the Lead strategist from the African Center for Health, Climate and Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA) echoed the same sentiments, citing that Health non-profit organizations need to re-think out of the box and implement projects that focus on increasing domestic funding for research and development.

It is estimated that the United States of America has cut funding of approximately $60 billion in overall foreign aid, and a significant portion of this is from health programs in Africa. It is, therefore, likely that projects tackling diseases like malaria and AIDS and potentially disrupting HIV treatment and prevention programs. 

It is perhaps for this reason why Shirley Sabrina from WEMA Africa believes that SMART advocacy is a necessary tool for achieving health change objectives.” In her view, decision-makers must prioritize health and fund sustainable solutions for future generations.

While many health practitioners may not yet be fully acquainted with the principles of SMART Advocacy, Gloria Gatuuru of WACI Health believes it holds immense potential. She insists that there is a high possibility that health advocates and workers will benefit from it,  because it enables a deeper introspection on Africa’s health future.

Accordingly, Mwanaisha Aura from the Access to Medicines Platform (META Health) said,” Smart advocacy is about strategy, evidence, and targeted engagement with relevant stakeholders.” Aura believes that advocacy must be intentional, guided by data-driven strategies and engagement with key decision-makers to drive meaningful change.

As Africa faces shrinking health budgets, the path forward remains uncertain. But one thing is undeniable, health advocacy is evolving, and those who embrace SMART strategies will captain the future of healthcare on the continent.

Imali Ngusale, founder of the African Center for Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA), opened the discussion with a powerful statement, “Climate change is increasingly recognized as a significant factor impacting public health, particularly reproductive and maternal health.”

Ngusale emphasized that rising temperatures, water scarcity, and extreme weather events disproportionately affect women and girls, particularly in low-resource settings. She pointed out that disaster-prone regions experience heightened maternal mortality risks, with healthcare systems often unable to meet the increased demand for services. Pregnant women, newborns, and families are among the most vulnerable, facing threats from disrupted access to care, poor nutrition, and unsafe environments.

The discussion also underscored midwives’ indispensable role as frontline responders in this crisis, “Midwives are not only healthcare providers but also agents of change in their communities,” said Ngusale. “Their ability to adapt to climate challenges while safeguarding maternal and reproductive health is crucial.”

Dr. Mazen Mlkawi, Regional Director for Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization (WHO), echoed Ngusale’s sentiments, noting the profound intersection of climate and health.

This sentiment was also echoed by Dr. Abderrahmane Sidi El Moctar of Mauritania, who moderated the session. Highlighting findings from a recent UNFPA study, he stated, ” UNFPA ‘s study shed light on the critical role midwives can play as catalysts for climate action, bridging the gap between policy and practice in vulnerable regions.”

Izzy Rigda, an Australian policy, economics, and public impact expert, stressed that climate change exacerbates gender disparities. In her view, “Climate shocks disproportionately impact women in the global south.”

Rigda said, “Women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate shocks. Some are forced to relocate, which increases their exposure to gender-based violence. Additionally, they often shoulder the burden of securing resources for their families in the aftermath of disasters.”

She called for stronger policy measures to protect women and girls and healthcare systems are not only climate-resilient but also gender-responsive.

The panel concluded with a resounding call to action, urging decision-makers to prioritize investments in midwifery training that address gender inequities. Additionally, the panelists called for the urgent need to integrate climate adaptation strategies into public health plans to safeguard reproductive and maternal health in the face of an uncertain climate future.

Speaking during the 3rd Annual Tobacco Taxation Conference in Nairobi, the Chairperson of the Tobacco Control Board, Naomi Shaban, said that there is renewed commitment to implement the Tobacco Control Act 2007.

“We are working closely with the civil society to ensure that we meet the goals of the Tobacco Control Act,” said Shaban. “We are going to regulate both traditional cigarettes and new tobacco products to protect our public health.”

She also stated that the Ministry of Health plans to raise taxes on tobacco products to curb consumption. Shaban also noted that higher prices would make tobacco products less accessible, thereby discouraging use.

However, it is not clear whether tobacco users will still, access the products

“We are collaborating with NACADA, the Tobacco Control Board, and the Ministry of Health to ensure all market products are registered and eliminate illicit ones,” said Naomi.

Dr. Andrew Toro, head of the Drug and Substance Abuse Control Division at the Ministry of Health, also highlighted the need to amend the Tobacco Control Act to address new products and enhance public awareness campaigns.

He stressed the ministry’s goal is to protect public health and ensure that no Kenyan suffers from tobacco-related diseases.

Kenya is ranked 7th in Africa among tobacco users. Notably tobacco farming is documented in 13 of the 47 counties of Kenya, with approximately 3.1 million consumers. Worse still,  2.5% of youth are directly targeted by the industry.

Celine Awour, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Institute of Legislative Affairs, also noted that low and unadjusted taxes make cigarettes affordable, particularly for children.

She called for stronger taxation on all tobacco products, including new ones like nicotine pouches and electronic cigarettes, to curb usage among youth.