NISH hosts the first Research stay in 2023

16 Aug 2023
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16 Aug 2023

In July 2023 NISH hosted 2 participants for our first “Research stay” based at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. The participants were Dr Marie-Claire Endegue, an ex-officio member of the Cameroon NITAG and Dr Naziru Tanko Mohammed from the Ghana NITAG secretariat.

The purpose of the research stay is to strengthen the scientific capacity of NITAGs in the WHO Africa region and to enhance insights on Evidence-Informed Decision-Making (EIDM) with respect to vaccines and immunisation practices. Research stays aim to provide selected NITAG members with mentorship and opportunities to expand their skills in vaccinology and EIDM, including the evidence to recommendation process.

During the month-long Research stay period, the two NITAGs attended the 2nd Annual Vaccinology Course for NITAGs along with NITAG members from Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Libya, Liberia, and Zambia. Not only did they benefit from the course content, but it was also a great networking opportunity and a chance to hear about challenges, opportunities and experiences from other NITAGs. The Research stay also:

  • Spent a week with Cochrane South Africa to learn on how to conduct rapid reviews. This was a highlight for them and a critical skill in the EIDM process
  • Met with WHO (Afro and HQ) and The Taskforce for Global Health
  • Met with NISH consultants: Prof Sheetal Silal (Mathematical modelling), Prof Edina Sinanovic (Health Economics), Dr Keneilwe Munyai (Human-centered design) and Prof Maylene Shung-King (Health Systems)
  • Engaged individually with the NISH team members and were exposed to the work being done by NISH, exploring areas for future collaboration and scientific support.

Overall the Research stay was a successful experience. Dr Endegue and Dr Mohammed reported the stay was productive and insightful and that they learned new skills that would add value to the work of their respective NITAGs. The NISH team enjoyed getting to know both participants and look forward to the ongoing collaboration with their NITAGs.

 

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