Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa - AHILA

Join the NIAGARA – Navigating the Digital Landscape: universities partnering for change, a European Union Erasmus+ project supporting digital competencies in university libraries across Norway, Poland, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Learn more about the project here: https://niagaragrant.com/

We’ve created 8 free online courses to help librarians and LIS students build digital competencies:
 Digital Citizenship: Promote netiquette and manage digital identities

 Digital Content Creation: Plan, create, and ethically share digital content

 Emerging Digital Technologies: Discover cutting-edge technologies and their application to
libraries archives and information centers.

 Basics of Research Data Management: Understand how to manage research data

 Learning, Teaching, and Research Support: Integrate library services, resources, and
expertise into research environments

 User-oriented Design: Apply principles and techniques of inclusive design

 Systematic Approach to Searching-Part 1: Sharpen basic search skills

 Systematic searching (Knowledge Synthesis)-Part2: Support systematic reviews and
evidence synthesis.

How to Register:

1. Open an internet browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Mozilla Firefox, or
Safari).
2. Type moocs.udsm.ac.tz into the address bar (URL) and press Enter.
3. Click the Log in button at the top-right corner of the page.
4. In the login window, click Create a New Account.
5. Fill in the required information, then click the Create My New Account button at the bottom.
6. Note: The account confirmation details will be sent to the email address you provided during
registration.
7. Open your email inbox and confirm your account by clicking the verification link sent to your
email.
8. Scroll down on the home page of the platform to find all NIAGARA-courses and enrol in the
courses you find interesting.

✅️Earn a certificate upon completion if you meet the minimum score requirement.

Navigating the digital landscape: universities partnering for change Norwegian-Polish-Tanzanian-Zambian consortium - Erasmus+ grant

Congratulations to the AHILA Executive for the 2025–2027 Term

The Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA) proudly announces the newly elected AHILA Executive Committee members for the 2025–2027 term.

Elections were conducted during the 18th AHILA Congress held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia, from 30th September to 4th October 2025.

The AHILA General Assembly Meeting took place on 3rd October 2025, during which the following members were elected:

1. Khutsafalo Kadimo (Botswana) – President
University of Botswana

2. Dr. Biliamin Popoola (Nigeria) – President-Elect
University of Medical Sciences, Nigeria

3. Dr. Violet Ikolo (Nigeria) – Vice President 1
Delta State University, Nigeria

4. Anthony Kiuna (Rwanda) – Vice President 2
University of Global Health Equity, Rwanda

5. Dr. Patricia Makwambeni (South Africa) – Secretary-General
University of Cape Town, South Africa

6. Wongani Jumbo (Malawi) – Assistant Secretary-General
University of Malawi

7. Marja Wren-Sargent (South Africa) – Treasurer I
University of Cape Town, South Africa

8. Alvina Matthee (South Africa) – Treasurer II
Stellenbosch University, South Africa

9. Rajabu Simba (Tanzania) – Web Content Editor
Mount Peru Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania

10. Matildah Mercy Muchinga (Zambia) – Communications Manager
Lusaka Apex Medical University, Zambia

11. Oluwaseun Abiodun-Asanre (Nigeria) – Council Member
Lagos State University, Nigeria

12. Glorias Assimwe (Uganda) – Council Member
Busitema University, Uganda

13. Keamogetse Kegasitswe (Botswana) – Council Member
University of Botswana

14. Emma Ndalameta-Theo (Zambia) – Council Member

15. Mercy Monde (Zambia) – Ex-Officio
University of Zambia

Congratulations to the entire AHILA Executive Committee for the 2025–2027 term. We look forward to continued leadership, collaboration, and excellence in advancing health information and library services across Africa.

Appreciation to the Local Organising Committee – 18th AHILA Congress 2025!

The Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA) proudly extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 18th AHILA Congress 2025 for their exceptional dedication, teamwork, and commitment in delivering a successful and memorable congress.

In recognition of their outstanding efforts, the committee members were honoured with Certificates of Appreciation, presented under the AHILA Presidential Awards.

The presentation took place on 3rd October 2025, during the 18th AHILA Congress held in Lusaka, Zambia, acknowledging the LOC’s pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and impactful hosting of this landmark event.

Thank you, Local Organising Committee, for your hard work and excellence!

Congratulations to Mr. Mubanga Lumpa – Recipient of the Medal of Distinguished Service!

The Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA) proudly celebrates Mr. Mubanga Lumpa from the University of Zambia, and President of the Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ), for being honored with the AHILA Medal of Distinguished Service, presented under the AHILA Presidential Awards.

This prestigious recognition, presented on 3rd October 2025 during the 18th AHILA Congress held in Lusaka, Zambia, celebrates Mr. Lumpa’s outstanding leadership, exceptional contributions, and unwavering commitment to advancing health information and library services across Africa.

👏 Congratulations, Mr. Lumpa, on this well-deserved honor and for being a true inspiration within the AHILA community!

Congratulations to Ms. Glorious Asiimwe – Recipient of the Medal of Distinguished Service!

The Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA) proudly celebrates Ms. Glorious Asiimwe from Uganga for being honored with the AHILA Medal of Distinguished Service, presented under the AHILA Presidential Awards.

This prestigious recognition, presented on 3rd October 2025 during the 18th AHILA Congress held in Lusaka, Zambia, celebrates Ms. Asiimwe’s outstanding contributions, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to advancing health information and library services across Africa.

👏 Congratulations, Ms. Asiimwe, on this well-deserved honor and for being a true source of inspiration within the AHILA community and beyond!

Congratulations to Mr. Kadimo Khutsafalo – Recipient of the Medal of Distinguished Service!

The Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA) proudly celebrates Mr. Kadimo Khutsafalo from the University of Botswana for being honored with the AHILA Medal of Distinguished Service, presented under the AHILA Presidential Award

This prestigious recognition, presented on 3rd October 2025 during the 18th AHILA Congress held in Lusaka, Zambia, celebrates Mr. Khutsafalo’s exceptional contributions, leadership, and unwavering dedication to advancing health information and library services across Africa.

👏 Congratulations, Mr. Khutsafalo, on this well-deserved honor and for being a continued source of inspiration within the AHILA community!

Congratulations to Dr. Violet Ikolo – Recipient of the Medal of Distinguished Service!

The Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA) proudly celebrates Dr. Violet Ikolo from Nigeria for being honored with the AHILA Medal of Distinguished Service, presented under the AHILA Presidential Awards.

This prestigious recognition, presented on 3rd October 2025 during the 18th AHILA Congress held in Lusaka, Zambia, celebrates Dr.. Ikolo’s outstanding contributions, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to advancing health information and library services across Africa.

👏 Congratulations, Dr. Ikolo, on this well-deserved honor and for being a true source of inspiration within the AHILA community and beyond!

Congratulations to Dr. Charles Banda – Recipient of the Medal of Distinguished Service!

The Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA) proudly celebrates Dr. Charles Banda, Chief Librarian at the University of Zambia, for being honored with the AHILA Medal of Distinguished Service, presented under the AHILA Presidential Awards.

This prestigious recognition, presented on 3rd October 2025 during the 18th AHILA Congress held in Lusaka, Zambia, celebrates Dr. Banda’s exceptional contributions, leadership, and unwavering dedication to advancing health information and library services in Africa and across the globe.

👏 Congratulations, Dr. Banda, on this well-deserved recognition and continued inspiration to the AHILA community!

🌟 Congratulations to Dr. Alison Kinengyere – Recipient of the Distinguished AHILA Membership Award! 🌟

The Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA) proudly celebrates Dr. Alison Kinengyere, Medical Librarian at the Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Uganda, for receiving the Distinguished AHILA Membership Award, presented under the AHILA Presidential Awards.

This honor, presented on 3rd October 2025 during the 18th AHILA Congress in Lusaka, Zambia, recognizes Dr. Kinengyere’s exceptional dedication, leadership, and contributions to advancing health information and library services across Africa.

👏 Congratulations, Dr. Kinengyere, on this well-deserved recognition!

🌟 Congratulations to Dr. Christine W. Kanyengo – Recipient of the Distinguished AHILA Membership Award! 🌟

The Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA) proudly recognizes Dr. Christine W. Kanyengo, Senior Librarian at the University of Zambia, for being honored with the Distinguished AHILA Membership Award, presented under the AHILA Presidential Awards.

The award was presented during the 18th AHILA Congress, held from 30th September to 4th October 2025 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka, Zambia.

This prestigious recognition, presented on 3rd October 2025, celebrates Dr. Kanyengo’s unwavering dedication, leadership, and outstanding contributions to AHILA’s mission and to the advancement of health information and library services across Africa.

👏 Congratulations, Dr. Kanyengo, on this well-deserved honor!

🌟 Congratulations Mrs. Francine Makondo: Recipient of the Distinguished Personality Award! 🌟

During the 18th AHILA Congress, held from 30th September to 4th October 2025 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka, Zambia, Mrs. Francine Makondo, Deputy Librarian at the University of Zambia and Chairperson of the AHILA 2025 Local Organizing Committee, was honored with the Distinguished Personality Award, presented under the AHILA Presidential Award.

This prestigious recognition, presented on 3rd October 2025, celebrates her exceptional leadership, dedication, and outstanding contribution to the success of AHILA 2025 and the field of health information in Africa. 👏👏

🌟 Congratulations Dr. Renah Lubker — Recipient of the Distinguished Service Award! 🌟

During the 18th AHILA Congress, held from 30th September to 4th October 2025 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia, Dr. Renah Lubker from the Medical University of South Carolina, USA, was honored with the Distinguished Service Award, presented under the AHILA Presidential Award 🏆

This prestigious recognition, presented on 3rd October 2025, celebrates her outstanding service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing health information and library development across Africa and beyond.

Dr. Lubker represents AHILA on the Medical Library Association (MLA) Board, USA, where she continues to foster international collaboration and champion the vital role of health information professionals worldwide.

👏 Congratulations once again, Dr. Lubker, on this well-deserved honor!