The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) has been recognized with the Global Healthy Workplace Award in the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) category for the second time. The Nairobi-based institution received the award on October 20, 2026, during the 14th Global Healthy Workplace Awards in Lisbon, Portugal. This achievement highlights APHRC's commitment to promoting employee health and well-being.
APHRC was the only African institution nominated and named a winner in the SME category at this year's awards, which attracted a highly competitive international field. The awards are organised by the Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces (GCHW) to recognise employers that integrate health, safety and holistic well-being into their core business strategies. The programme is open to for-profit and non-profit organisations worldwide.
The 2026 edition of the Global Healthy Workplace Awards featured six finalists. APHRC Executive Director Catherine Kyobutungi expressed her pride in the institution's achievement, stating that it reflected their commitment to creating a supportive working environment. She emphasized that APHRC's people are their greatest asset, and a healthy, inclusive, and supportive workplace is fundamental to their success.
According to Kyobutungi, APHRC's approach to workplace health goes beyond providing safe working spaces and modern buildings. The institution defines a healthy workplace as a culture that enables their people to grow and, in turn, strengthens their impact on the communities they serve. This approach has contributed to APHRC's success in advancing their mission to improve health and well-being across Africa.
Deputy Executive Director Joseph Gichuru highlighted the importance of investing in employees and creating an environment where they can thrive. He stated that this approach helps institutions achieve lasting impact. Gichuru cited the talent nurtured at APHRC, a workplace where staff can express themselves freely, and spaces developed to support other institutions across the continent as examples of their approach.
The award comes amid continued concerns about occupational health and safety across Africa. Workplace hazards, inadequate safety systems, and gaps in worker protection remain challenges that can expose employees to unsafe conditions and undermine their well-being. The Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces' Marketing and Communications Director, Barry Crisp, noted that investment in workforce well-being could support productivity and sustainable growth.
APHRC's recognition comes as the institution marks 25 years of work on health and development across Africa. Founded as an Africa-based and African-led research-to-policy institution, APHRC generates evidence, strengthens research capacity, and engages policymakers to inform action on health and development. The institution's award reinforces the role of employee well-being in building workplaces that support organisational effectiveness and wider development goals.
Key points
- APHRC won the Global Healthy Workplace Award in the SMEs category for the second time.
- The institution was the only African nominee and winner in the SME category at the 2026 awards.
- APHRC's approach to workplace health emphasizes a culture that enables employees to grow and strengthens its impact on communities.
