Funded through the EU–Africa Global Health EDCTP3 partnership and coordinated by the MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), WANETAM-4 brings together 28 institutions across 12 countries in West Africa and Europe. The network comprises research centres, universities, teaching hospitals and national public health institutes working collectively to address major infectious disease challenges in the region. 

While delivering the statement on behalf of the EDCTP-3, Professor Toyin Togun highlighted that this funding enabled WANETAM to establish a highly effective network of clinical research centres, support multi centre clinical studies, provide training and career development opportunities for young African scientists, in efforts to make the region more resilient to infectious diseases. 

Professor Martin Antonio, speaking on behalf of MRCG at LSHTM Director highlighted the Unit’s contribution to shaping the network’s research and capacity-strengthening agenda. 

This kick-off meeting seeks to finalize the network’s priorities and collaborative activities for the next five years. 

Mr Dembo Kanteh, President of the West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA) said his institution is privileged to be hosting and leading the scientific coordination of the grant and expressed his organizations determination to support all partner institutions in implementing their activities successfully. 

WANETAM-4 builds on nearly two decades of regional collaboration, providing a platform for institutions Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone West Africa to share expertise, collaborate on research and develop the next generation of African researchers. 

Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director of Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research at the University of Ghana and Deputy Scientific Project Lead of WANETAM-4 highlighted the priority focus areas of the programme - tuberculosis (TB) multimorbidity, malaria elimination, and HIV drug resistance and their crucial role in reducing the burden of health challenges in the region.  

Beyond these core disease areas, WANETAM-4 will contribute to epidemic preparedness through training and research in pathogen genomics, cholera and Lassa fever surveillance, as well as skin-related neglected tropical diseases. 

The programme will also strengthen research capacity and expertise through PhD and postdoctoral fellowships, grants, mentorship and specialised training. 

Representing the Ministry of Health of The Gambia, the Executive Director of the Tertiary and Higher Education Trust (THET) Fund, Dr Jorjoh Ndure-Tambedou, reaffirmed the importance of regional collaboration in addressing TB, HIV/AIDS and malaria. 

The representative emphasised that collaboration between countries and institutions enables partners to pool expertise, resources and knowledge, strengthening their collective ability to respond to major public health challenges. The Ministry of Health also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the network and its objectives. 

Through its integrated approach to research, capacity strengthening and regional collaboration, WANETAM-4 seeks to enhance West Africa’s ability to conduct high-quality research and translate scientific evidence into stronger health systems and more effective responses to infectious diseases and outbreaks. 

The MRCG at LSHTM looks forward to working with partners to advance the vision of WANETAM-4 and contribute to stronger research institutions, improved health systems and better health outcomes for communities across the region.