About
The Gap
Health economics remains under-resourced in many countries across the Global
South. Trained experts are limited, awareness of the discipline remains low, and
researchers often lack access to the mentorship, networks and resources needed to
thrive.
BHEN exists to help close these gaps by strengthening health economics capacity
and expertise to support more equitable health decision-making.
Our Values
Equity, Connection, Empowerment, Collaboration, Excellence, visibility, Impact.
Our Objectives
BHEN works to increase awareness of health economics and its role in policy
decision making, provide mentorship and career development support, facilitate
knowledge exchange and research collaboration, build a strong global professional
network, and promote equity focused and policy relevant research.
Founder
Dr Chizoba Esio-Bassey
BHEN was founded by Dr Chizoba Esio-Bassey with a vision of creating a community that increases the visibility, connectivity and professional development of Black health economists globally.
As Founder, Dr Esio-Bassey provides strategic leadership for BHEN and works with the Steering Board and wider membership to develop the network's research, training, mentorship and collaboration activities.
BHEN Inaugural Research & Networking Event
📅 4th June 2026
The BHEN Inaugural Research & Networking Event marked an important milestone in the development of the network.
The event brought together researchers and professionals to hear about current health economics research, exchange ideas and begin building the community that BHEN seeks to foster.
The programme included presentations from:
Dr Tanja Gordon
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Africa Health Research Institute
Presentation:
“Can we afford it? A qualitative approach to analysing the concept of affordability for health systems”
Ahiaba Monday Clement
Presentation:
“Nigeria's Macroeconomy and Life Expectancy: Evidence from a Non-linear ARDL Technique”
The event also included an interactive networking session designed to encourage participants to share their experiences, research interests and ideas for future collaboration.
From our first event to a growing community.....
The inaugural event established the foundation for what BHEN aims to become: a supportive, collaborative and internationally connected community for Black health economists.
OUR INAUGURAL EVENT