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AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY PARTNERS WITH GLOBAL LEADERS TO SCALE INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCH IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

NAIROBI, KENYA, DECEMBER 10, 2024  Aga Khan University joins a consortium of 12 leading African and European institutions to train the next generation of infectious disease experts. The program dubbed BRIDGE Network seeks to equip African researchers with advanced skills in health informatics and data sciences, driving innovation and resilience in the region’s health systems.

The BRIDGE Training Program will provide Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships training 14 experts to lead innovative research in health informatics and infectious diseases, Postgraduate Certifications awarding up to 20 certifications per centre of excellence through a mix of online learning and practical field mentorship, and world-class collaboration by partnering with renowned institutions such as the Aga Khan University,  University of Cape Town, and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health to deliver state-of-the-art education and tools.

Jointly funded by the European Union and the Global Health EDCTP3 , the program is led by Ghent University and aims to establish five Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Benin, and South Africa. These CoEs will serve as hubs for cutting-edge research, world-class training, and innovative solutions to tackle infectious diseases that continue to claim millions of lives across the African continent.

“This initiative marks a paradigm shift in infectious disease research in Africa. By training a new generation of experts, we are not only addressing local challenges but also contributing to the global fight against pandemics,” said Prof Pascal Coorevits, Project Coordinator and Professor of Medical Informatics and Statistics at the Ghent University.

These efforts aim to close the skills gap in data-driven research and enhance the region’s ability to respond effectively to current and emerging health crises. By combining advanced academic training with on-the-ground experience, the BRIDGE Network is creating a pipeline of skilled professionals capable of transforming public health. The CoEs will not only produce trained experts but also serve as lasting hubs for research and innovation, ensuring the sustainability of these efforts beyond the programme’s duration.

“Sub-Saharan Africa is at the frontline of the global battle against infectious diseases. Through this initiative, we are building capacity where it matters most, empowering local researchers to lead solutions that have both regional and global impact,” said Prof Marleen Temmerman, Director of Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, East Africa.

The BRIDGE Network’s mission extends beyond training. It seeks to redefine how Africa tackles infectious diseases, with a focus on local innovation, global collaboration, and data-driven solutions. This initiative represents a vital step in building resilient health systems that can safeguard populations against current and future health threats.


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