West Africa launches regional research programme for outbreak response

The Africa Research Preparedness Programme for West Africa has been launched to strengthen regional preparedness for public health emergencies. The initiative aims to connect research institutions to enable faster, more coordinated responses to outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola, Mpox, Lassa fever, and COVID-19.

By utilizing a hub-and-spoke model, the programme seeks to bridge gaps in research coordination that can delay critical interventions. The goal is to activate clinical research responses within 10 to 15 days of an outbreak. Shingai Machingaidze, Head of Africa Strategy and Engagement at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), noted that while the region possesses skilled scientists and established facilities, the focus must be on improving how these entities work together during emergencies.

The partnership involves several key organizations, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Medicines Agency, the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia.