The Africa Research, Implementation Science, and Education (ARISE) Network
The Africa Research, Implementation Science, and Education (ARISE) Network is a vibrant and dynamic collaboration, uniting and leading African institutions to drive transformative research, education, and public health initiatives across the continent.
ARISE Network Research and Training Initiatives
The ARISE Network is a leading force in public health research, focusing on maternal, neonatal, and child health, adolescent health and nutrition, infectious diseases, food systems, and climate change. Over the past decade, it has led groundbreaking projects resulting in over 200 publications that drive improved health outcomes across Africa.
Adolescent health and well-being have become key priorities for ARISE. The Network has pioneered innovative approaches, using both traditional and digital platforms to implement school-based and community programs. This multifaceted strategy ensures comprehensive reach and engagement with adolescents. ARISE’s commitment to adolescent health and well-being is supported by a diverse portfolio of research initiatives across continents, reflecting its dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of young people in Africa and beyond.
Major Research Studies
Overview
The ARISE Network has led key research and interventions to advance adolescent and public health across Africa. Explore the milestones below to learn how each study and initiative has contributed to improved health outcomes and policy change.
Community-Based Adolescent Health Study (2017–2020)
The ARISE Network Community-Based Adolescent Health Study, conducted in seven countries, identified key adolescent health burdens and influencing factors. Results, published in the Special Issue “Adolescent Health in Sub-Saharan Africa” in Tropical Medicine and International Health Journal (2020), have greatly advanced our regional understanding.
School Health and Nutrition Study (2020–2022)
This study explored health, nutrition, and education among young adolescents (ages 10–15) in urban schools across five countries, providing crucial insights. The findings were published in the Special Issue “Improving Nutrition and Well-Being of School-Age Children in the African Context” in Maternal and Child Nutrition Journal.
Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Longitudinal Study (2021–2024)
Integrating digital methods and surveillance, this longitudinal study tracks adolescent health in real time. Published work in Lancet eClinicalMedicine provides a template for building population-based cohorts to inform training and public health practice.
Youth Mental Health Initiative (2022–2024)
In partnership with Grand Challenges Canada, this project in Tanzania and Ghana uses a relational wellbeing framework to identify youth mental health issues and solutions, engaging a wide range of stakeholders.
Translating Research to Action
Initiatives such as ARISE-NUTRINT (nutrition and non-communicable disease), DASH (adolescent health interventions), MEGA trial (nutrition via school meals), and COMPASS (malnutrition interventions) help bridge research and practice for real-world impact in policy and programs.
Capacity Building and Training
Overview
The ARISE Network extends its impact through robust capacity building and training initiatives, developing public health leaders and establishing sustainable educational programs across Africa.
Foundational Training Programs
The ARISE Network Monitoring and Evaluation Training Program (2017) built advanced research capacity for assessing health outcomes among researchers from multiple African countries, with a curriculum that was adapted locally for further reach.
Data Science & Leadership Training: WASHA Takwimu (2021–2026)
Sponsored by the NIH Fogarty International Center, WASHA Takwimu builds data science capacity via fellowships, faculty training, and the development of a health data science master’s program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Collaborative Research Training Programs
Partnerships with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, sponsored by the NIH Fogarty International Center, support infectious disease training in Tanzania/Ethiopia and HIV implementation science training in Tanzania, extending through collaborative platforms like the HBNU Global Health Research Training Program.
Doctoral Training and Future Leadership
In response to the Africa CDC’s call to action, ARISE partners assessed doctoral training needs in Africa. This led to plans for the ARISE Doctoral Training Program, designed to strengthen advanced research and practice capacity continent-wide.
Long-term Capacity Building
By developing degree programs (MPH, doctoral) and fostering mentorship among alumni, ARISE ensures the sustainability and evolution of public health expertise across Africa.
Aspirations for the Future
The ARISE Network remains committed to transforming public health through research, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, with a special focus on the health and nutrition challenges of women, children, and adolescents. Inclusive, actionable research, policy engagement, and sustained training define our future direction as we build toward stronger, more equitable health outcomes.
Our achievements are made possible through the dedicated support of our global partners, ministries, and communities, including NIH Fogarty International Center, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Botnar Foundation, Izumi Foundation, Motsepe Presidential Research Accelerator Fund, European Union, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, UNICEF, and many others.
