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Original Research – Special Collection: African Researchers Publication Capacity
Interdisciplinary insights into public health challenges: A synthesis of research presented at the 2025 African Voices for Research Virtual Conference
Submitted: 28 June 2025 | Published: 09 December 2025
About the author(s)
Qudus O. Lawal, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, NigeriaOluyemisi Olagunju, Department of Nursing Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Dooshima D. Gbahabo, Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
Obehi Osadolor, Department of Child Dental Health, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
Henry O. Chukwudi, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Elizabeth O. Omotola, Department of Chemical Sciences, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Nigeria
Christiana T. Ekanade, Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
Olabinri P. Folashade, Department of Biochemistry, Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics Research Laboratory, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Talatu R. Ndagi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
Mary O. Adetula, Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Miracle C. Okeke, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Nigeria
Ayobami O. Adeagbo, Department of Nursing Science, National Institute of Health Research, Lagos, Nigeria
Rachael O. Oduyemi, Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Nigeria; and Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Larry Ng’andu, Laboratory Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, USAID - Action to HIV - Right to Care Zambia, Muchinga, Zambia
Toluwalase S. Adekoya, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
Funmilayo G. Adebiyi, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Esther O. Israel, Centre for Foundation Education, Bells University of Technology, Ogun State, Nigeria
Comfort O. Akanni, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria
Morenike O. Folayan, Department of Child Dental Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Public health challenges in Africa stem from a complex interplay of individual, environmental, socio-cultural, and health-system factors, requiring integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to enhance healthcare systems.
Aim: This study synthesised evidence from interdisciplinary presentations at the 2025 African Voices for Research Virtual Conference to address public health challenges.
Setting: The study was based on abstracts presented in sessions of the 2025 African Voices for Research Virtual Conference.
Methods: An editorial narrative synthesis of all submitted abstracts was conducted. ChatGPT(OpenAI), supported the identification of patterns and themes, which were validated by the research team. Themes were grouped into broader categories reflecting major public health issues and potential solutions.
Results: The study showed how healthcare access, education, environmental justice, gender equity and innovation intersect in advancing Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. Using Social Determinants of Health and One Health perspectives, the findings showed how infrastructural gaps, financial barriers and limited health literacy drive unequal health outcomes. Case studies on maternal health and environmental exposures highlighted the influence of socio-economic inequality and structural violence on population well-being. Gender disparities were prominent, especially among rural women facing political exclusion, violence and restricted access to care. Innovation in healthcare delivery, especially AI-enabled tools and diagnostic platforms such as GeneXpert, was recognised for its potential to strengthen health-system resilience.
Conclusion: This study offers an overview of emerging research themes from the conference and provides insight into future research priorities.
Contribution: This research highlights how healthcare access, environmental and gender inequities, and technological innovation shape population health across Africa.
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