Generating Health Evidence for Central Africa

HRnet is an independent research organisation producing rigorous scientific evidence to strengthen health systems and improve lives across Central Africa.

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The Challenge

A Region Rich in Need, Short on Evidence

Central Africa faces some of the continent's most pressing health challenges — from infectious diseases like malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Yet the region remains one of the most underrepresented in health research output. Without locally generated evidence, health policies rely on data from other contexts that may not reflect the realities of Central African communities.

HRnet exists to close this gap.

190M+
People across Central Africa
<3%
Of Africa's health research output from the region
70%
Disease burden from preventable conditions
Gap
Policies often based on evidence from elsewhere
What We Do

Three Pillars, One Mission

Our work is organised around three integrated areas that together build a sustainable foundation for evidence-informed health in Central Africa.

Research

We conduct independent, policy-relevant research on communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and One Health issues affecting Central African populations. Our work generates the evidence that policymakers, practitioners, and communities need to act.

Communicable DiseasesNCDs & CancerOne HealthEpidemiology

Capacity Development

We invest in the next generation of health researchers worldwide through fellowships, training programmes, and institutional partnerships, with preference given to African researchers and academics with expertise in Central Africa. Sustainable change requires strong local research capacity — we are building it from within.

FellowshipsTraining ProgrammesMentorshipPartnerships

Community Engagement

We work directly with communities to ensure our research addresses real needs and that our findings reach the people they are meant to serve. Through outreach, education, and participatory approaches, we keep communities at the centre of our work.

Health EducationOutreachParticipatory ResearchAdvocacy
Who We Are

An African Research Organisation for African Priorities

HRnet (Health Research Network) is an independent, non-profit research organisation headquartered in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Founded in 2025, we are dedicated to conducting high-quality research and evaluation on population and health issues in Central Africa and beyond.

We are a young organisation with an ambitious vision — a Central Africa where health decisions are informed by rigorous, locally produced scientific evidence. We are building toward this goal through partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, civil society organisations, and communities across the region.

Scientific Rigour Local Ownership Transparency Collaboration Equity
Health researchers gathered around laboratory equipment

Our Mission

To improve health outcomes in Central Africa by producing high-quality, policy-relevant research and building local capacity for evidence-informed decision-making.

Our Vision

A Central Africa where health policy and practice are driven by locally produced scientific evidence, and where communities have the knowledge and capacity to improve their own health.

Get Involved

Join Us in Building a Stronger Evidence Base for Health in Central Africa

Researchers, academics, institutions, funders, and community members from around the world can work with HRnet. We give preference to African researchers and academics with expertise in Central Africa.

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