BRIDGE Network Launched in Nairobi

The Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH), represented by its Director, Dr. Alex Riolexus Ario, participated in the launch of the BRIDGE Network on December 10, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya. The BRIDGE Network is a groundbreaking consortium of 12 leading African and European institutions dedicated to training the next generation of infectious disease experts.

This program is designed to empower African researchers with advanced skills in health informatics and data sciences, fostering innovation and resilience within the region’s health systems. The BRIDGE Training Program will offer Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships in cutting-edge research on health informatics and infectious diseases. Additionally, it will provide Postgraduate Certifications, awarding up to 20 certifications per Centre of Excellence through a combination of online learning, practical field mentorship, and international collaborations to deliver state-of-the-art education and tools.

The consortium members include Ghent University (Lead Institution), UNIPH, Aga Khan University Kenya, University of Cape Town, University of Rwanda, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Jointly funded by the European Union and the Global Health EDCTP3, the program aims to establish five Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Benin, and South Africa. These CoEs will act as hubs for cutting-edge research, world-class training, and innovative solutions to combat infectious diseases that remain a significant challenge across the African continent.

The BRIDGE Network’s vision extends beyond training. It aims to revolutionize Africa’s approach to tackling infectious diseases through local innovation, global collaboration, and data-driven solutions. By building resilient health systems, this initiative marks a vital step toward safeguarding populations against current and emerging health threats.