Health systems globally face multiple and overlapping challenges that complicate evidence-based policymaking. The Health Policy Trend Report 2026, developed by the Global Health Policy Lab (GHPL) in partnership with the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) and the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health (UNITE), identifies the most persistent barriers to effective health policymaking and outlines practical, evidence-informed solutions.
The report draws on a global survey of policymakers across 49 countries (conducted in collaboration with Nature Research Intelligence (NRI)), complemented by research evidence and solutions in action case studies. The Health Policy Trend Report 2026 will officially be launched at the Berlin University Alliance Grand Challenges Conference and serves as a resource for policymakers, researchers, and partners interested in advancing more resilient and inclusive health systems worldwide.
Across regions and settings, three interlinked challenges consistently emerge:
Evidence shows that electoral cycles and short-term incentives lead to underinvestment in prevention and delayed responses to emerging threats. Resource constraints, limited technical capacity, and weak research–policy engagement contribute to the persistent ‘know–do gap.’ The report outlines strategies to accelerate evidence uptake, adapt policies to local contexts, incorporate implementation, monitoring, and evaluation measures, as well as improve equity in these processes.
Solutions-in-action case studies from Egypt, Ireland, Mexico, Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada demonstrate that durable reform is achievable through cross-party collaboration, whole-of-government approaches, context-adapted policy implementation, strengthened data systems, and institutionalised use of science-informed evidence or a combination thereof.
Short-term (0–2 years) | Leverage technology in policymaking processes
Medium-term (3–5 years) | Make evidence-use the default
Long-term (5+ years) | Secure structural reform and overcome silos
The Global Health Policy Lab (GHPL) is a non-profit initiative dedicated to strengthening the health policymaking ecosystem through evidence, innovation, and data-driven solutions. Launched in 2024, GHPL is a joint initiative between the Charité Center for Global Health, the Harvard T.H. Chan School for Public Health, the Virchow Foundation, and a growing global network of partners. Its mission is to empower governments, civil society, and private sector partners with tools and insights to accelerate the translation of science-informed recommendations into concrete laws, policies, and other interventions.
Contributors: Michael Bayerlein, Branwen J. Hennig, Rebecca Ohanes, and Hendrik Oye
The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a premier research-to-policy institution, established in 2001 with a mandate of generating evidence, strengthening research and related capacity in the African Research and Development (R&D) ecosystem, and engaging policy to inform action on population, health and development. The Center’s portfolio comprises over 100 projects in more than 35 countries, involving global, regional, and national stakeholders. APHRC engages with policymakers in the region to influence policy decisions and to tackle development challenges in the continent.
Contributors: Gaye Agesa, Mamadou Diallo, and Jane Mangwana
The UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health (UNITE) is the only global network of current and former Members of Parliament focusing specifically on global health issues. UNITE represents more than 540 members from 120 countries. The network has supported parliamentary engagement and legislation on infectious disease prevention and healthcare equity in multiple regions. UNITE collaborates with partners like the World Health Organization to empower legislators with evidence-based tools and strategies, fostering the adoption of data-driven policies that improve health outcomes globally.
Contributors: Bettina Blösl, Éctor Jaime Ramírez Barba, Mariam Jashi, Denis Naughten, Amira Saber, Sonia Sidhu, and Andrew Ullmann
Nature Research Intelligence (NRI) provides businesses with real-time, comprehensive research insights to accelerate research innovation and product development, and to stay ahead of the competition. NRI’s solutions save time and resources by uncovering hidden connections and inspiring new product ideas or repurposing existing ones. By identifying research and collaboration opportunities quickly, organizations can maximize their potential and with NRI, they can showcase their value and drive business growth.
Contributors: Steven Riddell, Inês Pote, Jack England, Shamika Shah, and Dan Penny
