West African Alcohol Policy Alliance (WAAPA) supports the Regional Health Data Hub.
At the 74th World Health Organization Regional Committee Meeting for Africa, held on August 28, 2024, in Congo Brazzaville, WAAPA Board Member and Chair of the Alcohol Policy Alliance-Ghana (GhanAPA), Mr. Benjamin Anabila, urged Member States, WHO Regional Office, and partners to collaborate on the comprehensive implementation of the Regional Health Data Hub 2024-2030.
Mr. Anabila emphasized that policymakers, especially politicians in the African Region, require scientific and evidence-based data to inform decision-making processes. However, accessing such data has been a significant challenge in many countries. Civil society advocates have faced similar challenges in accessing relevant data sources for effective advocacy and engagement.
To address this, Mr. Anabila suggested that the African Region should invest in and utilize advancements in technology, including AI, to coordinate access to data. A comprehensive data system or hub across the region would also help counter industry claims.
Mr. Anabila commended the framework’s prioritization of capacity building, stakeholder engagement, technical support, and data sharing agreements. He stressed that the regional data hub should prioritize data security and privacy.
On behalf of WAAPA, Mr. Anabila expressed confidence that the timely implementation of this framework will contribute significantly to achieving the objectives of the Global Alcohol Action Plan in the WHO African Region.
He concluded by calling on Member States to allocate resources to better harness the importance of data for improved health outcomes.
