Informing policy with rapid evidence.
Providing policymakers across Africa with immediate access to grounded, locally-relevant research synthesised for urgent decision-making.
e.g. "climate adaptation Uganda" · "maternal health Rwanda"
81
Evidence Products
79
Evidence Briefs
2
Gap Maps
Policy Highlights &
Trending Synthesis
Mitigating Economic Impact of Global Oil Supply Disruptions: A Rapid Response Brief
This rapid response brief synthesizes evidence on policy options for the Ugandan government to minimize economic disruption, stabilize fuel access, and protect households and businesses amid prolonged oil and gas supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran. It highlights immediate response actions such as price caps, subsidies, stock releases, demand-restraint measures, and targeted cash transfers to cushion oil shocks and ensure continuity of social and economic activities. For stabilization, the brief recommends automatic pricing formulas, strengthened social protection, increased competition, and improved transparency to depoliticize prices and limit subsidies. Long-term resilience depends on structural reforms, energy efficiency, fuel diversification, and market-based pricing. The brief cautions against overuse of tariff reductions and subsidies due to risks of medium-term instability, emphasizing careful management of shocks to sustain economic stability.
Tools Adapted for Screening Cognitive Impairment Among the Elderly at the Community Level in Africa
In Uganda, between 7.2% and 20% of individuals over 60 years old live with dementia, with increasing signs of cognitive impairment observed in communities such as Mukono district. Early identification and management of cognitive impairment (CI) are critical to prevent progression to severe stages. This brief synthesizes evidence on tools adapted for screening cognitive impairment among elderly populations in low-income African settings. Commonly adapted tools for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) include the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Ascertain Dementia 8-item questionnaire (AD8), Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog), and Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSI-D). For dementia, tools such as the Identification of Dementia in Elderly Africans (IDEA) cognitive screen and AD8 are used. These tools have been culturally adapted and modified to accommodate low literacy levels, demonstrating high reliability in identifying MCI and dementia in resource-limited settings. However, effective management requires a functional referral system for definitive diagnosis. The brief highlights the importance of culturally appropriate screening tools to raise awareness and inform policy and health service planning in African contexts.