Understanding the Journal of Public Health in Africa (JPHiA)

The Journal of Public Health in Africa (JPHiA) stands as a pivotal peer-reviewed, open-access platform dedicated to addressing pressing health challenges across the African continent. Published by AOSIS, a South Africa-based organization located in Cape Town, JPHiA has evolved significantly since becoming the official journal of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in 2018. Its mission centers on advancing public health discourse by publishing high-quality original articles, reviews, comments, and research letters that inform policy and practice.

With a focus on African-led research, JPHiA bridges the gap between local evidence and global health agendas. Over the years, it has amassed impressive metrics, including 738 published content items, 3,214 Crossref citations, and more than 918,000 total downloads as of early 2026. These figures underscore its growing influence in elevating African voices in public health scholarship.

The Birth of the Special Collection on Strengthening Publication Capacity

In a landmark initiative, JPHiA launched the Special Collection titled 'Strengthening Scientific Publication Capacity of African Researchers' in Volume 16, Issue 4 of 2025. Guest-edited by Prof. Peter Nyasulu from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, South Africa, this collection emerged from a targeted manuscript-writing training program held in December 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda. The workshop, hosted in partnership with the Africa Public Health Foundation, trained 18 early-career researchers from across Africa in essential skills like research design, data analysis, ethical considerations, and manuscript structuring.

The collection's concluding article, published on December 19, 2025, titled 'Impact of dental caries on the quality of life of children with sickle cell anaemia in Nigeria,' highlights practical outcomes, demonstrating how addressing oral health can enhance quality of life for affected children. This effort directly tackles longstanding barriers to publication for African scholars, fostering a more equitable global research landscape.

Challenges in African Research Publication and JPHiA's Response

African researchers have historically faced systemic hurdles in scientific publishing, including limited access to mentorship, inadequate training in scientific writing, language barriers, and underrepresentation in high-impact journals. These issues result in a disproportionate share of Africa-generated data being published by non-African authors, diluting local perspectives.

JPHiA counters this through structured interventions. A January 2025 consultative meeting in Kigali gathered experts from 16 African countries to strategize on converting routine data into publishable manuscripts and enhancing peer-review processes. Dr. Nebiyu Dereje, interim editor-in-chief, emphasized the need for ongoing hands-on training to build optimal publishing capacity among early-career researchers.

Key Features of the Mentorship and Training Programs

The December 2024 workshop provided interactive sessions and one-on-one guidance, covering literature reviews, AI tool usage, and ethical publishing. Building on this, JPHiA introduced a formal mentorship program for early-career researchers from all African Union Member States. Mentees receive personalized support, leading to high-quality submissions that bolster the journal's content.

• Hands-on exercises in manuscript development
• Data analysis and visualization training
• Peer-review simulation and feedback
• Networking with global journal editors

These programs align with broader goals, including a proposed Pan-African Network of Health Journals for collaborative special issues and shared standards.

Spotlight on South African Contributions

South Africa plays a central role, with Prof. Peter Nyasulu's leadership at Wits University driving the collection. Articles from South African institutions enrich the series, such as 'The epidemiology of human schistosomiasis in Gauteng Province,' affiliated with the University of Pretoria. This study examines neglected tropical diseases, providing critical data for regional policy.

Additionally, Vol 17, No 1 (2026) features 'Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among young adults in Lephalale, Limpopo province,' underscoring JPHiA's commitment to local evidence. As the publisher AOSIS is based in Cape Town, South African universities like Wits, UCT, and Stellenbosch benefit from proximity to editorial expertise. For researchers seeking opportunities, explore research jobs or higher ed jobs in public health.

Impressive Growth in Metrics and Visibility

JPHiA's initiatives have spurred remarkable growth. Annual article output jumped from 70 (2018-2024 average) to 104 in the first half of 2025 alone, with submissions up 30%. Review times shortened dramatically: first editorial decision from 7 to 3 days (no peer review) and 72 to 48 days (with review). Authors now hail from 47 AU Member States.

Strategic expansions in editorial teams, reviewer pools, and digital promotion have elevated submission quality. Collaborations with journals like Eurosurveillance and WHO Bulletin further amplify reach.

Highlighting Key Articles from the Collection

Beyond the concluding Nigeria study, the collection includes diverse works like 'Burden and determinants of MDR-TB among prisoners in sub-Saharan Africa' and 'Preparedness of healthcare workers for the Ebola outbreak.' These exemplify how training translates to impactful research on priority diseases.

• Schistosomiasis epidemiology in Gauteng: Insights into environmental risks and control measures.
• Mpox and Marburg response strategies: Lessons for emergency preparedness.
• Sickle cell anaemia oral health: Evidence-based interventions for child welfare.

Such publications not only disseminate knowledge but also build researcher CVs, aiding career progression. Aspiring academics can leverage resources like how to write a winning academic CV.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Implications

Experts like Dr. Mosoka Papa Fallah advocate for sustainable training and networks to empower African journals. Prof. Nyasulu's vision emphasizes disseminating unique African stories to influence global health. For South African universities, this means stronger research output, funding prospects, and international collaborations.

Implications extend to policy: Enhanced publication capacity ensures evidence informs national health strategies, from NCDs to infectious diseases.

Future Outlook and Opportunities for Researchers

Looking ahead, JPHiA plans continued workshops, AI transparency policies (mandatory for SciELO SA in 2025), and CRediT authorship from 2026. A Pan-African journal network promises joint issues on cross-cutting topics.

Early-career researchers in South Africa can apply for mentorship via JPHiA or pursue roles at institutions like Wits. Check South Africa university jobs, professor jobs, or lecturer jobs to advance your career. For advice, visit higher ed career advice.

Photo by Ciocan Ciprian on Unsplash

Actionable Insights for Aspiring Public Health Scholars

1. Participate in JPHiA workshops for hands-on training.
2. Collaborate with mentors like Prof. Nyasulu.
3. Focus on local data with global relevance.
4. Utilize open-access platforms for visibility.
5. Build networks through Africa CDC initiatives.

This special collection exemplifies how targeted efforts can transform African research ecosystems, positioning scholars for success.

In summary, the JPHiA Special Collection not only strengthens publication capacity but also heralds a new era of African-led public health innovation. Explore opportunities at Rate My Professor, Higher Ed Jobs, Career Advice, and University Jobs.