Janet Byaruhanga

Strategic Policy Advice:

• Provide expert strategic policy advice on matters related to Health, Education, as well as Youth, Gender, and Women Empowerment
• Collaborate with senior leadership to shape organizational strategies and initiatives within domains of health, education, youth, gender, and women
• Stay abreast of global and regional developments, offering insights and recommendations to align AU policies with best practices

Capacity Development on Policy and Intergovernmental Mechanisms:

• Design and deliver capacity-building programs to enhance understanding and competencies of staff, partners, and stakeholders in policy and intergovernmental matters
• Develop training materials, workshops, and seminars to ensure effective knowledge transfer

Policy Research, Evidence, and Knowledge Sharing:

• Conduct in-depth policy research, leveraging data and evidence to inform decision-making
• Manage knowledge-sharing platforms and initiatives to disseminate insights, best practices, and research findings
• Produce high-quality policy briefs, reports, and publications

Strategic Partnerships and Positioning:

• Cultivate and nurture strategic partnerships with relevant organizations, government bodies, and civil society
• Represent AUDA-NEPAD at key forums and conferences, enhancing AUDA-NEPAD visibility and positioning within health, education, youth, gender and women empowerment fields
• Collaborate with external stakeholders to leverage resources and support for AUDA-NEPADs initiatives health, education, youth, gender and women

Achievements:

Strategic Policy Advice and Advocacy:

• Spearheaded advocacy efforts resulting in heightened policy focus and increased funding for Africa's Medicines Regulatory Harmonization initiatives, prioritizing local pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Collaborated effectively with regional bodies (WAHO, EAC, SADC, OCEAC) and international stakeholders, successfully influencing policy decisions, including domestication of the AU Model Law on Medical Products Regulation in 22 member states
• Elevated awareness of medicines policy issues among policymakers, aligning policies with global best practices

Capacity Development and Knowledge Transfer:

• Designed and executed tailored training programs for parliamentarians, media, and civil society on medicines policy, African Medicines Agency treaty, and healthcare worker safety, engaging over 500 participants
• Developed and disseminated training materials, fostering digital literacy and financial inclusion, particularly for youth and women
• Conducted impact assessments to gauge program effectiveness and formulated guidance documents for domestication of the African Union Model Law on Medical Products Regulation

Evidence-Based Policy Research and Knowledge Sharing:

• Orchestrated situational analysis research, shaping the AU Health Research and Innovation Strategy for Africa (HRISA), adopted in 2018
• Established and managed a dynamic knowledge-sharing platform, disseminating best practices and research findings
• Authored high-impact policy briefs and reports on health, gender, youth, women, and HIV/AIDS sustainability, influencing policy decisions at national and regional levels

Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization:

• Forged strategic partnerships with esteemed organizations, international institutions, and government entities, increasing resources for education, health, youth, gender, and women's empowerment initiatives
• Represented AUDA-NEPAD at key forums, elevating visibility, and advocacy for harmonized approaches to regional challenges
• Collaborated with PEPFAR and stakeholders, mobilizing $5 million for the AU Roadmap to 2030, aimed at ending AIDS through expanded critical services

Policy Alignment and Impact Assessment:

• Harmonized policies within Regional Economic Communities (RECs) with AU instruments and international frameworks
• Conducted comprehensive impact assessments for AUDA-NEPAD initiatives funded by global entities (Global Fund, World Bank, EU)
• Established robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in partnership with government stakeholders, enhancing transparency and accountability in project execution, including AMRH, HRISA, PMPA, PHC, TIMS, and SATBHSS initiatives.

• Spearheaded development and successful adoption of Health Research and Innovation Strategy for Africa (2018, 2030) by AU Specialized Technical Committee on Health, Population, and Drug Control decision-making bodies
• This strategy strengthened health research systems across all 55 member states
• Developed comprehensive compendium of good policies and practices showcasing best pharmaceutical policies and practices
• Provided expert advisory support to Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in formulating sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing strategies
• Established effective governance mechanism for implementing Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa (PMPA) to ensure streamlined coordination of local pharmaceutical manufacturing business plan in Africa.
• Actively cultivated and managed strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders to drive successful PMPA implementation
• Repositioned African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization initiative, building foundations for establishment of continental bodies such as African Medicines Agency
• Supported domestication of legislation such as African Union Model Law on Medical Products Regulations within Member States, contributing to improved access to quality medical products

Key Achievements:

• Provided visionary leadership and technical expertise in crafting strategies such as Health Research and Innovation Strategy for Africa
• (HRISA 2018-2030)
• Successfully secured its adoption by decision-making bodies, fortifying health research systems across all 55 member states
• Designed and executed tailored training program on innovation and intellectual property, enhancing knowledge-based economies in 22 member states
• Launched Africa-Pharmaceutical Conference annual series, multi-stakeholder platform that effectively leveraged strengths for local production of essential medicines and medical devices
• Developed and delivered comprehensive training manuals, equipping 30 parliamentarians, civil society members, and media professionals with knowledge to support domestication of AU model law on medical products regulation, ultimately enhancing access to quality medical products
• Orchestrated continent-wide survey to gauge progress on domestication of AU model law on medical products regulation, establishing network of legal experts
• Co-authored and facilitated national and regional level adoption of PMPA Business Plan as continental instruments endorsed by AU Heads of State and Governments, promoting local pharmaceutical industry growth
• Expertly coordinated PMPA Partners' consortium, which included prominent partners like WHO, UNECA, UNFPA, African Development Bank, UNAIDS,UNDP, USP, Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations(FAPMA) and UNIDO, fostering conducive environment for local pharmaceutical industry development
• Spearheaded development and endorsement of AU's Model Law on medical products regulations, while serving as technical lead for African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization program
• Organized and led influential international, continental, and regional forums to enhance access to quality, safe, and affordable medical products across Africa
• Seamlessly integrated PMPA aspirations into activities of relevant clusters within AU-UN regional coordination mechanism
• Successfully developed and mobilized support for Primary Health Care Project Bijiimi, strengthening capacities of 1500 community healthcare workers, particularly in maternal health, across multiple countries, including Burundi, Chad, Central African Republic, Lesotho, and South Sudan.

Continental Agenda Setting:

• Actively participated in design and review of key continental instruments, ensuring human and social aspects are prioritized, including AU Agenda 2063, ICPD+10, and AU Continental Framework on SRHR
• Played pivotal role in shaping AU policies, leading to adoption of critical frameworks

Intergovernmental Mechanisms and Platforms:

• Participated as expert advisor and influencer at various platforms and gatherings, such as Assembly of Heads of States and Governments, NEPAD Heads of State and Governments Orientation Committee, and others
• Collaborated with regional and international stakeholders to influence policy decisions, notably contributing to domestication of AU Model Law on Medical Products Regulation in over 22 member states

International Platforms/Mechanisms:

• Engaged with various international platforms and mechanisms, representing African Union's interests in ICPD, PPD, UNGA Special Session, and other global forums
• Strategic Social and Human Development Policy Advice:
• Offered strategic counsel to AU leadership, enhancing policy coherence and effectiveness
• Provided instrumental guidance to facilitate implementation of Maputo Plan of Action on SRHR and strategies for reducing maternal mortality

Training and Capacity Development for Policy Makers:

• Designed and executed tailored training programs for AU policymakers, enhancing their proficiency in social and human development policies
• Conducted capacity-building initiatives, resulting in policymakers' improved understanding of AU policies and frameworks

Conducting Policy Research, Evidence, and Knowledge Sharing:

• Conducted extensive policy research, leading to creation of position papers, policy briefs, and data-driven reports
• Fostered knowledge sharing among AU member states, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Regional Health Organizations (RHOs)

Fostering Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration:

• Cultivated partnerships with international organizations and development partners, which resulted in substantial resource mobilization
• Collaborated extensively with RECs and RHOs, aligning regional and continental efforts in various fields

Health, Nutrition, and Maternal, Newborn, Adolescent, and Child Health:

• Served as technical lead for key strategic initiatives, including Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa Business Plan (PMPA) and African Medicines Agency
• Co-authored PMPA Business Plan and led coordination of PMPA consortium of partners, engaging with RHOs to harmonize cross-border initiatives

African Traditional Medicine:

• Led technical coordination efforts to promote research integration into national public health systems
• Prepared policy briefs and represented AUC at international fora to advance Africa's aspirations in traditional medicine

Cost of Hunger in Africa (COHA) and ARISE 10 & 5 by 2025:

• Led technical coordination of activities related to study models, data collection, analysis, and reporting for countries conducting the study
• Advocated for national-level policy changes and resource mobilization to mainstream nutrition in development plans
• Led efforts to launch Africa's renewed initiative for stunting elimination (ARISE 2025) by 2025 campaign

Ehealth and Telemedicine:

• Led and coordinated activities related to development and implementation of Africa's strategy for using ICTs for health
• Mobilized technical support from partner agencies and represented AUC on related international, regional, and continental platforms
• Roadmap on Global Solidarity Shared Responsibility for HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria Response: Served as technical lead and advisor on access to medicines
• Advocated for resource mobilization and mainstreaming HIV, TB, and malaria services
• Represented AUC in international and continental fora, promoting universal access to healthcare services

Responding to Health Emergencies of Global Concern: ASEOWA (African Union Support on Ebola to West Africa):

• Provided technical leadership in conceptualization, planning, and mission support during Ebola outbreak in West Africa
• Coordinated recruitment, needs assessment, and resource mobilization for volunteer teams
• Developed and sourced support for post-Ebola recovery plans

AU Campaign for Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA):

• Represented AUC at various national-level launches of the campaign, emphasizing role of women and children's health
• Prepared policy briefs and reports for endorsement by various AU decision-making and policy organs
• Advocated for implementation of programs on access to medicines and essential commodities

Achievements:

Continental Agenda Setting:

• Actively involved in designing and reviewing key continental instruments to ensure human and social aspects are prioritized, including AU Agenda 2063, ICPD+10, and AU Continental Framework on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
• Played a pivotal role in shaping AU policies, resulting in adoption of critical frameworks

Intergovernmental Mechanisms and Platforms:

• Participated as expert advisor and influencer at various platforms and gatherings, including Assembly of Heads of States and Governments, NEPAD Heads of State and Governments Orientation Committee, and many others
• Collaborated with regional and international stakeholders to influence policy decisions, notably domestication of the AU Model Law on Medical Products Regulation in over 22 member states

International Platforms/Mechanisms:

• Engaged with various international platforms and mechanisms such as ICPD, PPD, UNGA Special Session, and others to represent African Union's interests

Strategic Social and Human Development Policy Advice:

• Offered strategic counsel to AU leadership, enhancing policy coherence and effectiveness
• Provided instrumental guidance in implementation of Maputo Plan of Action on SRHR and strategies for reducing maternal mortality

Training and Capacity Development for Policy Makers:

• Designed and executed tailored training programs for AU policymakers, improving their proficiency in social and human development policies
• Conducted capacity-building initiatives, enhancing policymakers' understanding of AU policies and frameworks

Conducting Policy Research, Evidence, and Knowledge Sharing:

• Conducted extensive policy research, yielding position papers, policy briefs, and data-driven reports
• Fostered knowledge sharing among AU member states, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Regional Health Organizations (RHOs)

Fostering Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration:

• Cultivated partnerships with international organizations and development partners, resulting in mobilization of substantial resources
• Collaborated extensively with RECs and RHOs, fostering alignment between regional and continental efforts

Health, Nutrition, and Maternal, Newborn, Adolescent, and Child Health:

• Served as technical lead for key strategic initiatives, including Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa Business Plan (PMPA) and African Medicines Agency
• Co-authored PMPA Business Plan and led coordination of consortium of partners for its implementation.
• Actively engaged with RHOs to harmonize cross-border initiatives and improve healthcare delivery

African Traditional Medicine:

• Led technical coordination efforts for promoting research integration into national public health systems
• Prepared policy briefs and represented AUC at international fora to promote Africa's aspirations regarding traditional medicine

Cost of Hunger in Africa (COHA) and ARISE 10 & 5 by 2025:

• Led technical coordination of activities related to study models, data collection, analysis, and reporting for countries conducting the study
• Advocated for national-level policy changes and resource mobilization for mainstreaming nutrition in development plans

Led efforts to launch Africa's renewed initiative for stunting elimination (ARISE 2025) by 2025 campaign

Ehealth and Telemedicine:

• Led and coordinated activities related to the development and implementation of Africa's strategy for using ICTs for health
• Mobilized technical support from partner agencies and represented AUC on related international, regional, and continental platforms

Roadmap on Global Solidarity Shared Responsibility for HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria Response:

• Served as technical lead and advisor on access to medicines
• Advocated for resource mobilization and mainstreaming HIV, TB, and malaria services
• Represented AUC in international and continental fora, promoting universal access to healthcare services

Responding to Health Emergencies of Global Concern: ASEOWA (African Union Support on Ebola to West Africa):

• Provided technical leadership in conceptualization, planning, and mission support during Ebola outbreak in West Africa
• Coordinated recruitment, needs assessment, and resource mobilization for volunteer teams
• Played a key role in developing and seeking support for post-Ebola recovery plans

AU Campaign for Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA):

• Represented AUC at various national-level of CARMMA, emphasizing role of women and children's health
• Prepared policy briefs and reports for endorsement by various AU decision-making and policy organs
• Advocated for implementation of programs on access to medicines and essential commodities.

• Provided leadership for preparation of guidelines and conduct of operation research activities related to emerging epidemics and disease surveillance
• Coordinated development of evidence-driven policy briefs for national decision makers and development partners
• Facilitated provision of technical assistance to national disease control programmes including those on HIV and AIDS
• Provided leadership to technical and non-technical team members to facilitate achievement of set outputs of national epidemiology unit
• Developed and submitted periodic reports on programs undertaken by epidemiology unit to senior management Ministry of Health
• Coordinated activities of development partners such as WHO, MSF etc., who provided support to Ministry of Health in health emergencies
• Facilitated preparation of monitoring and evaluation plans including standardized tools and harmonized key indicators for program monitoring and evaluation

Key Achievements

Leadership in Emerging Epidemics and Disease Surveillance:

• Led development and implementation of guidelines for disease surveillance, resulting in more efficient and comprehensive monitoring systems.
• Executed operation research activities related to emerging epidemics, notably HIV and AIDS, leading to generation of critical data for evidence-based decision-making
• Strengthened disease surveillance systems, resulting in early detection and containment of disease outbreaks, thus safeguarding public health

Evidence-Driven Policy Advocacy:

• Coordinated development of evidence-driven policy briefs, influencing national decision-makers to adopt policies aligned with research findings
• Contributed to effective communication and implementation of evidence-based policy solutions, leading to improved healthcare practices and outcomes

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building:

• Provided technical assistance to national disease control programs, including those focused on HIV and AIDS, resulting in enhanced program effectiveness and reach
• Mentored technical and non-technical team members, fostering a collaborative environment that improved capacity of national epidemiology unit to achieve its objectives

Reporting and Documentation:

• Developed comprehensive periodic reports, which facilitated informed decision-making at senior management level in Ministry of Health
• Proficiently handled reporting and data analysis, ensuring accurate and timely dissemination of critical health information

Coordination of Development Partners:

• Successfully coordinated development partners, such as WHO and MSF, ensuring their support was strategically aligned with Ministry of Health's priorities during health emergencies
• Enhanced collaboration with partners, leading to more effective response to health crises and improved resource mobilization

Monitoring and Evaluation Expertise:

• Facilitated preparation of monitoring and evaluation plans, including standardized tools and key indicators, resulting in improved program monitoring and evaluation
• Ensured that health programs were evidence-based, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and impact.

• Coordinated outpatient teams for delivery of clinical consultation and emergency services in various departments including Accident and Emergency, Internal medicine, pediatrics, HIV clinic, Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics
• Managed clinical supplies and consumables in support of outpatient (and inpatient) service delivery
• Developed and managed monthly summary statistics and reporting
• Assisted in implementation of human resource capacity building and continuing medical education.

• Led USAID Outdoor Experiential Therapy Project, :
• Conceptualized and designed new projects, meticulously preparing project proposals to secure funding and support
• Led training sessions and conducted various capacity-building initiatives for project staff, ensuring counsellors were well-equipped for their roles
• Demonstrated strong coordination and supervision skills, overseeing activities of trauma counselors providing support to orphaned children severely affected by genocide and exhibiting signs of post-traumatic stress disorders
• Delivered vital trauma counseling services to HIV Orphans and other orphaned children, contributing to their emotional and psychological well-being
• Played pivotal role in facilitating compilation of status reports, while also actively contributing to development of resource mobilization advocacy tools and resources essential for outdoor experiential project's success
• Effectively managed project budget, assuming responsibility for delivering results that align with mutually agreed-upon objectives
• Led monitoring and evaluation efforts of ongoing interventions, ensuring that project progress was accurately assessed and reported
• This contributed to transparency, accountability, and ability to learn from project implementation experiences.

Achievements

• Undertook design of new projects and prepared project proposals
• Facilitated training and other capacity building initiatives for project staff
• Coordinated and supervised activities of trauma counselors of orphaned children affected by genocide and with signs of post-traumatic stress disorders
• Undertook service delivery such as trauma counseling of HIV Orphans, as well as other orphans
• Facilitated compilation of status reports and development of resource mobilization advocacy tools/resources for outdoor experiential project
• Managed project budget and assumed responsibility for delivery of mutually agreed results
• Facilitated monitoring and evaluation of ongoing interventions to ascertain project progress contributes to transparency and accountability and learn from project implementation experiences.