Ecosystem Engagement Workshop, Accra

The workshop on research preparedness in West Africa, held from October 30th to November 1st, 2024, in Accra, Ghana, brought together 120 participants, including representatives from Africa CDC, WAHO, Ministries of Health, National Public Health Institutes, researchers, and clinical trialists from 15 West African states. Organized by IVI, MRCG, Africa CDC, WAHO, and CEPI, the meeting aimed to address key challenges in research preparedness, including limited networks, cross-border collaboration inefficiencies, and gaps in research infrastructure and human capacity.

Participants validated findings from a prior landscape analysis and co-developed an engagement plan to strengthen the regional research preparedness ecosystem. The workshop featured plenary sessions, country-specific meetings, and breakout discussions to map existing capacities, identify shortcomings, and propose six potential solutions to enhance preparedness efforts. Follow-up plans include finalizing these solutions, publishing outcomes, and implementing sustainable capacity development strategies.