Launch of the BRIDGE Network Training Programme: A Milestone in Tackling Infectious Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa

Nairobi, December 10, 2024

The Aga Khan University, in collaboration with a consortium of 12 African and European institutions, officially launched the BRIDGE Network: Scaling Up Infectious Disease Research in Sub-Saharan Africa, at an event hosted at The Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi. The initiative seeks to empower African researchers with cutting-edge skills in health informatics and data sciences, aiming to transform how the continent addresses infectious diseases through innovation, collaboration, and data-driven solutions.

Prof Marleen Temmerman, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health at Aga Khan University, underscored the program’s transformative potential, highlighting the importance of tailoring approaches to the specific health challenges of each African country while working closely with public health sectors. She emphasized that improving health outcomes requires not only technical expertise but also strong partnerships across nations and disciplines. Dr. James Orwa, Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Health, expressed the institution’s dedication to fostering talent, starting with two PhD students and two postdoctoral fellows, with plans to scale up the program to include more researchers in the future. Prof Pascal Coorevits of Ghent University reinforced the critical role of data, pointing out that Africa’s ability to collect, analyze, and utilize high-quality health information will determine the effectiveness of its response to infectious diseases. Prof Dr. Marc Twagirumukiza, Coordinator of the BRIDGE Network Consortium, explained the initiative’s unique approach, combining health sciences and data sciences to create innovative and sustainable solutions for disease prevention and management. The launch event gathered leading researchers, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders, all committed to redefining the future of infectious disease research in Sub-Saharan Africa. The BRIDGE Network represents more than just a training program—it is a bold step toward empowering local researchers to lead the fight against infectious diseases, strengthening public health systems, and fostering cross-continental collaboration to ensure lasting impact.

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