The NIHR Global Health Research Centres Symposium 2026 brought together researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore how research can create sustainable impact for the fight against non-communicable diseases, and work with communities and local and national services to strengthen health systems. Against the challenges of health inequities, economic pressures, and climate change, the symposium focussed on turning evidence into tangible, sustainable action.
Hosted by the Centre for Non-Communicable Disease Control in West Africa (STOP-NCD) in Ghana–a hub for innovative health policies and universal health coverage–the Symposium offered a space for collaboration, policy dialogue, and the development of strategies to ensure these Global Health Research Centres sustain lasting legacies.
The Centre for IMPACT was well-represented at the event, collectively showcasing the Centre’s unified commitment to moving research from theory to practice.
Advancing Scalable Models
A major highlight of the symposium was the focus on Mental Health Theme. Prof. Asad Nizami delivered an oral presentation on achievements through PM+ project in making the intervention scalable through a cascade model. By building a national cadre of Master Trainers, the project is ensuring long-term clinical capacity across Pakistan.
The PM+ Afghanistan work was also featured, highlighting the roadmap for scaling services across multiple provinces. By utilizing Theory of Change (ToC) maps and Implementation Learning Collaboratives (ILC), the team demonstrated how strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Public Health and WHO are expanding access to community-based mental health services. Dr Abdul Rahman Shahab provided a comprehensive overview of these integrated approaches, emphasizing the Centre’s role in supporting regional health through research and strategic partnerships.
Integrating Sustainability
The Centre for IMPACT delegation also highlighted the intersection of physical and mental health through the EMPOWER-D Diabetes Theme. Prof. Khalid Rehman presented the theme focusing on “healthy lifestyle ecosystems.” He emphasized that community participation, physical activity, and healthy eating habits are essential for creating benefits that continue long after a project ends.
This vision of sustainability was further illustrated by Dr Noor Sanauddin, who shared a success story from Swabi. Through a creative skit, he demonstrated how community engagement (CEI) successfully advocated for women’s access to a local cricket stadium—turning a barrier into a safe, supportive space for exercise and social interaction.
Encouraging gender equity in participantion
Dr Sayed Murtaza Hofiani shared an inspiring story about how women in Afghanistan were encouraged and supported to participate in Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) sessions. He highlighted the importance of ensuring equal participation of both men and women, emphasising that meaningful engagement can only be achieved when all voices are included. His reflections underscored how inclusive approaches can strengthen communities and create more effective and sustainable outcomes.
A special thank you to Abdul Rahman Shahab, Sayed Murtaza S. Hofiani, Kamran Siddiqi, Jenny Westad, Aysha Almas, Noor Sanauddin, Asad Nizami, Nida Afsheen, Khalid Rehman, and Zohaib Khan who represented the Centre for IMPACT with such excellence.
You can view the Full Report here.
Post written by Gul Ghutai, Maham Abid, and Harriet Evans Tang.
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