Govts urged to invest more in science and research to achieve better health

Governments have been urged to invest adequately in science, research, and innovation to achieve better health for communities.  

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr Hanan Balkhy, made the call on Tuesday (April 7, 2026) at commemoration of the World Health Day.  

“Science is the cornerstone of everything we do in health. It helps us understand diseases, develop vaccines and treatments, and deliver care more efficiently and affordably, thus, making services more equitable and accessible to communities," she said.

"In addition, it enables better, evidence-based decisions and helps protect communities from the growing health risks linked to conflict, climate change, and diseases.”
 
Balkhy said innovation is accelerating progress against some of the world’s most persistent health threats as new vaccines, treatments and control tools, including pioneering technologies such as genetic modification of mosquitoes and long-acting injectables, are advancing rapidly. 

In addition, according to WHO, alongside prevention and treatment, science is revolutionizing diagnosis and care. Digital technologies such as CT scans, MRI and ultrasound allow doctors to see inside the human body without invasive procedures, thus saving lives every day. 

Therefore, Balkhy urged governments to strengthen the national research ecosystems, foster innovation, and promote open science with community engagement, which are essential to building public trust and improving health outcomes. 

“Investing in science today strengthens our ability to prevent, detect and respond to health emergencies tomorrow."

The World Health Day is commemorated every year on April 7, to mark the founding of the WHO in 1948. 

The day is aimed at raising awareness about global health issues and mobilising actions to address them.

Such issues include a specific priority health theme, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and advocating for universal healthcare access in addition to health equity worldwide. This year, the day was commemorated under the theme “Together for Health. Stand with Science”. 

Highlighting the importance of translating evidence into action through strong partnerships and multilateral cooperation, Balkhy reminded governments that it was not enough for scientists and researchers to generate evidence, adding that there is a need to turn the knowledge into action. 

Therefore, she called for trust between the scientists and policy makers, urging governments, partners, health workers and communities to unite to be able to benefit from the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants and the planet. 

She highlighted the need for co-operation and sustained investment in turning research into policy to ensure evidence-based solutions tailored to national and local contexts. 

In addition, communities have been urged to make informed health decisions, support science-led solutions and engage with trusted, evidence-based information. 

“Health decisions must be guided by evidence to protect health, prevent disease and ensure access to appropriate treatment and care,” said Balkhy.

Uganda well aligned 

The government of Uganda is well aligned with this year’s World Health Day theme. 

The country has a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) secretariat whose mandate is to mobilise, coordinate, and provide strategic oversight and policy guidance to scientists and stakeholders along prioritised industrial value chains.

The Ministry has worked to reduce reliance on imports and improve the nation’s technological standing in East Africa. 

Elijah Turyagumanawe, the Strategic Communications Officer at the secretariat, underscored the importance of science, research and innovation in improving health outcomes. 

He explained that at the secretariat, their model is to localise the value chain around the study and cure of diseases.

Using science, research and innovation, they have been able to promote the manufacturing of drugs in Uganda, including anti-malaria drugs and painkillers, as well as vaccines and testing equipment.  

Ultimately, Turyagumanawe explained that local manufacturing of health products through science, research and innovation has reduced their importation, which saves Uganda money.

It has also made it possible for Ugandans to have increased access to such life-saving health goods at lower prices.