National Health Research Authority Zambia

14/08/2026

The National Health Research Authority (NHRA) is mandated to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for the development, regulation, financing, and coordination of health research, ensuring the establishment of consistent standards and guidelines for ethically sound research in Zambia. This mandate is operationalised through its core functions of research promotion, regulation, coordination, capacity building, and dissemination and knowledge translation. Below is a summary of the activities in the second quarter of 2026 under its regulatory functions, including researcher registration, institutional engagement, and of study clearance, demonstrating the authority's continued efforts to strengthen national research compliance with regulatory standards.

10/08/2026

🔬 Building Towards ZHRC 2026 | Joint Committee Meeting

The National Health Research Authority (NHRA) convened a Joint Committee Meeting on 6 August 2026 as part of preparations for the 12th Zambia Health Research Conference (ZHRC 2026), to be held in December 2026 in Livingstone.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Scientific, Publicity, Awards, Abstract Review and Advisory Committees, alongside NHRA leadership, to strengthen coordination and ensure that preparations for the conference remain on track.

Discussions focused on aligning committee priorities, coordinating upcoming activities, strengthening conference visibility, and ensuring a high-quality scientific programme that provides a platform for research, knowledge exchange and evidence-informed decision-making.

As we work towards December, NHRA remains committed to bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners and partners to showcase Zambia’s health research and strengthen the connection between evidence and action.

📍 Livingstone, Zambia | December 2026
🔬 12th Zambia Health Research Conference

27/07/2026

📢 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS | MHC 2026 🧠

The 8th Annual Mental Health Conference (MHC 2026) is calling for abstracts under the theme:

✨ “A Family Approach to Mental Health” ✨

📅 1st–2nd October 2026

📍 Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka

We invite submissions in the following areas:

🔹 Academic Research

🔹 Case Studies

🔹 Audits

🔹 Basic Practice Articles

🔹 Systematic Reviews

📄 Abstracts must not exceed 400 words. Please ensure that all submissions follow the required guidelines, as abstracts that do not meet the requirements may not be accepted.

🌟 An exciting opportunity! Selected abstracts will be considered for publication in an edited collection with Cambridge Scholars Publishing, providing an opportunity to extend the reach and impact of your work.

📩 Submit your abstract to: [email protected]

⏰ Deadline: 9th August 2026

Know someone whose work speaks to this year's theme? Share this opportunity with them! 🙌🏾

And don't forget to register to attend this year's Mental Health Conference:

🌐 www.mhczambia.net

We look forward to seeing the ideas, research and experiences you will bring to MHC 2026! 💙

27/07/2026

📢Expression of Interest for Late-Breaking Abstract Submission is Now Open!

Did you miss the initial abstract submission deadline but have important research findings or best practices to share? The 12th Zambia Health Research Conference (ZHRC) invites eligible researchers and practitioners to express their interest in submitting Late-Breaking Abstracts across the conference's 10 sub-themes.

🗓 Expression of Interest Period:
27 July – 10 August 2026

Before submitting an abstract, all applicants are required to complete the Late-Breaking Abstract Eligibility Screening Form. This screening process will determine whether your abstract qualifies for late-breaking submission.

✅ If your application is approved, the Conference Secretariat will provide you with the abstract submission link and further instructions.

📱 Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit our website to complete the Eligibility Screening Form via this link: zhrc.nhra.org.zm/abstracts/

Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your research and contribute to advancing health research in Zambia.

14/07/2026

📢 Important Announcement:Conference Dates Updated

The National Health Research Authority (NHRA) wishes to inform all prospective delegates, presenters, partners and stakeholders that the 12th Zambia Health Research Conference (ZHRC 2026) will now be held from 2–4 December 2026 in Livingstone, Zambia.

We encourage all participants to update their calendars and continue preparing to join Zambia’s premier health research conference under the theme:

“Closing the Evidence–Action Gap for Resilient Health Systems.”

We look forward to welcoming researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, development partners and students from Zambia and across the region for three days of scientific exchange, collaboration and innovation.

🔗 For conference updates and registration,

visit: zhrc.nhra.org.zm

📧 Email: [email protected]

Save the new dates and join us in advancing health research into action.

03/07/2026

📅 Preparing for

On 2 July 2026, the Zambia Health Research Conference (ZHRC) 2026 Joint Organising Committee convened at the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), bringing together committee members both in person and virtually to review progress towards the successful delivery of the 12th Zambia Health Research Conference.
Representatives from the Awards, Publicity, Scientific, and Abstracts Committees provided updates on completed activities, discussed ongoing work, and confirmed timelines for the remaining milestones leading up to the conference.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of all committees to ensuring a well-coordinated, impactful, and successful conference that will bring together researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and partners to advance health research and innovation in Zambia.
Together, we continue to build momentum towards
Innovation Collaboration NHRA ZambiaHealthResearch

05/06/2026

📊 Health Research Profile in Zambia 2026: Quarter 1 (January–March)

The National Health Research Authority (NHRA) is pleased to share the latest Health Research Profile in Zambia, providing a snapshot of health research activities recorded during the first quarter of 2026.

The report highlights:
✅ Summary of new research registrations by category and approval status
✅ Summary of study clearances
✅ Key areas of research focus across Zambia

This publication provides valuable insights into the country's evolving health research landscape.

📖 Access the full report on our website here: https://www.nhra.org.zm/what-we-do

What We Do

02/06/2026

🎉 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 🎉

The National Health Research Authority (NHRA) is pleased to announce that registration for the 12th Zambia Health Research Conference (ZHRC) is now open.

Take advantage of our Early Bird Registration Rates before the deadline and secure your place at Zambia's premier health research conference.

Registration categories include:
• Early Bird Registration
• Normal Registration
• On-site Registration

To register and view the full fee structure, please visit our registration portal.

For more information, kindly visit our website at zhrc.nhra.org.zm or contact us via email at [email protected].

Register today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of health research in Zambia!

02/06/2026

📢 VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

The National Health Research Authority (NHRA) invites suitably qualified and experienced individuals to apply for the position of:

🔹 Deputy Director – Research Promotion and Regulation

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of health research in Zambia by supporting the promotion and regulation of research activities that drive evidence based decision making and improved health outcomes.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the vacancy announcement and submit their applications within the stipulated timeframe.

📄 Download and view the full advert on our website here https://www.nhra.org.zm/careers

For more information, visit our website or contact NHRA.

18/05/2026

Our Deputy Director for Research Coordination, Capacity Building, and Knowledge Translation, Ms. Sandra Chilengi-Sakala, has been invited as a panel speaker at a high-level global event during the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva, Switzerland, organized by GENDRO.ORG.

This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to her dedication and passion for advancing s*x- and gender-responsive research and knowledge translation.

Since 2023/2024, Ms. Sandra Chilengi-Sakala has pioneered the S*x and Gender Responsive Research and Knowledge Translation Programme in Zambia under the National Health Research Authority (NHRA), championing the integration of gender responsiveness in research design, methodology, data collection, analysis, interpretation, as well as policy and decision-making processes.

As part of this important work, several foundational initiatives have been implemented, including embedding a gender lens into the ethics review process, conducting capacity-building programmes such as Training of Trainers for representatives from Research Ethics Committees, orientation sessions for the National Health Research Ethics Board and selected Research Ethics Committees, as well as training in gender-responsive statistical analysis, among other initiatives.

We are proud to see this important work gaining international recognition and contributing to global conversations on equitable and inclusive research.