Webinar: Policy Advocacy 101: A Capacity Building Journey for EPN Members

Faith-based health systems play a pivotal role in healthcare delivery across Africa, particularly in underserved communities. Their advocacy efforts are crucial for influencing health policy, securing resources, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services. The Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network (EPN) supports these organizations in their vital work. A recent advocacy baseline analysis report  [1]highlights the current state of health advocacy among these organizations, identifying their strengths, challenges, and support needs.

Rationale and Justification

The advocacy baseline analysis revealed significant challenges faced by faith-based health organizations in their advocacy work. Notably, 70% of the organizations surveyed reported limited staff capacity as a major impediment, alongside funding limitations (85%)[2]. These capacity constraints directly impact their ability to effectively engage with governments, implement Memoranda of Understanding (MoU’s), and influence health policy. To address these critical gaps and enhance the effectiveness of health advocacy efforts, targeted capacity building initiatives are essential. Strengthening the skills and knowledge of EPN members in key advocacy areas will empower them to navigate complex policy environments, mobilize resources, and ultimately improve health outcomes in their respective countries. It is against this background that EPN introduces a series of webinars on advocacy, starting off with the initial introductory session dubbed, Advocacy 101.

Objectives

The primary objective of this capacity building webinar series is to enhance the advocacy capabilities of EPN members, enabling them to more effectively influence health policy and practice. Specifically, the webinar series aims to:

1. Strengthening understanding of advocacy basics of advocacy and strategies of engaging in advocacy: Equip participants with knowledge of effective advocacy planning, including setting clear objectives, identifying target audiences, and defining measurable outcomes.
2. Improve skills in evidence-based advocacy: Enhance participants’ ability to collect, analyze, and utilize data to support their advocacy positions.
3. Foster collaboration and networking: Provide a platform for EPN members to share experiences, challenges, and successful approaches, and to explore opportunities for collaborative advocacy initiatives.
4. Address key advocacy challenges: Provide practical guidance and tools to overcome common advocacy challenges, such as limited funding and staff capacity.

Methodology

This capacity building initiative will be delivered through a 2.5-hour interactive webinar, scheduled for the end of October 2025. The webinar will utilize a blended learning approach, incorporating presentations, case studies, interactive discussions, and practical exercises. Key topics to be covered include:

1. Advocacy Planning and Strategy Development: This section will delve into the components of a robust advocacy strategy, including problem identification, objective setting, stakeholder analysis, and theory of change.
2. Evidence-Based Advocacy: Participants will learn how to identify credible data sources, analyze information, and present compelling evidence to support their advocacy arguments.
3. Resource Mobilization for Advocacy: This segment will explore various funding mechanisms and strategies for securing financial support for advocacy initiatives.
4. Effective Communication and Engagement: Participants will gain insights into tailoring messages for different audiences, engaging with policymakers, and leveraging media for advocacy.

The webinar will be facilitated by experienced advocacy professionals with a deep understanding of the health sector in Africa. Pre-webinar reading materials and post webinar resources will be provided to maximize learning outcomes.

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of the webinar, EPN members are expected to:

1. Have a clearer understanding of effective advocacy strategies and planning.
2. Be better equipped to develop and implement evidence-based advocacy initiatives.
3. Be able to identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration and networking with other advocacy organizations.
4. Possess practical tools and knowledge to address common advocacy challenges, particularly those related to capacity and funding.
5. Contribute more effectively to influencing health policy and practice in their respective countries.

Target Audience

The primary target audience for this webinar includes:

1. Advocacy focal points and staff from EPN member organizations.
2. Program managers and leaders involved in health advocacy initiatives.
3. Individuals responsible for policy engagement and resource mobilization within their organizations.

Theme:  Policy Advocacy 101: A Capacity Building Journey for EPN Members
Date: 23rd October 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM (EAT), 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM (CAT), 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM (GMT)

Participants will also have opportunities to share experiences and build networks across the EPN community.

Save the Date: 23 October 2025

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