The Countdown to 2030 Country Annual Meeting 2026, held from 29 June to 3 July in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, brought together representatives from 36 African countries, along with researchers and international partners, to strengthen the use of evidence in policies aimed at improving the health of women, children, and adolescents. The International Center for Equity in Health (ICEH) was represented by Fernando Wehrmeister, Cauane Blumenberg, Adriana Kramer, Thais Martins, and Rafaela Zazyki.

Organised by Countdown to 2030, the meeting goes beyond the format of a traditional scientific conference. Throughout an intensive week of collaborative work, teams from different countries analyse indicators, discuss findings, share experiences, and develop strategies to expand the use of evidence in public health decision-making.

The event is part of an international capacity strengthening initiative designed to enhance the analysis and interpretation of health data. By bringing together researchers, academic institutions, and teams from ministries of health, the Annual Meeting helps transform data into information, information into knowledge, and knowledge into action capable of reducing inequalities and improving the health of women, children, and adolescents.

ICEH's participation reflects the Center's ongoing commitment to international scientific collaboration, evidence generation, and capacity strengthening. Over recent years, ICEH researchers have contributed to several Countdown to 2030 activities focused on developing analytical methods, exchanging expertise, and supporting the use of evidence to inform public health policies.

Participation in the Countdown to 2030 Country Annual Meeting 2026 reinforces ICEH's commitment to international collaboration and to producing scientific evidence that supports informed decision-making and advances health equity.

Learn more about the Countdown to 2030 Annual Meetings: https://www.countdown2030.org/countdown-annual-meetings