Research Networks for Health Innovations in Sub-Saharan Africa (RHISSA) with DLR-PT, Germany
“Research Networks for Health Innovations in Sub-Saharan Africa” (RHISSA) has been a major funding initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) since 2016. Working in 14 sub-Saharan countries and Germany, five networks have improved treatments and diagnostic tests for tropical diseases, contributed to several WHO guidelines and participated in the local SARS-CoV-2 pandemic response during the first funding phase (2016-2022). The networks have also built and expanded research capacities and strengthened intra-African and African-German networking.
With this session, we aim to connect the six networks of the second funding phase (2023-2028) with key stakeholders to initiate discussions that might help optimize their research implementation, capacity strengthening and research uptake.
Abstract
Under RHISSA, the networks will implement research programs that target neglected tropical diseases (filariasis, podoconiosis, onchocerciasis) and high-burden diseases (sepsis, breast and cervical cancer, post-tuberculosis lung disease) and address challenges around adolescent health and One Health (with a focus on antibiotic resistance). Through African-led partnerships between African and German academic and non-government organizations, the networks build and strengthen research capacity in 14 sub-Saharan countries and Germany, support the career development of junior and senior researchers and engage in discussions about research uptake. To address local and regional needs, the networks have aligned their research plans with regional policy strategies.
With their programs, the networks aim to contribute to the achievement not only of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all”, but also other SDGs, such as education, innovation, decent work, strong institutions, gender equality and partnerships for the goals.
The networks will present their plans across four work packages: research, capacity building, networking and policy engagement and research transfer.
We will conclude the session with a panel discussion about achieving SDG3 and other SDGs until 2030, about what has to follow and about how we can pave the way now for positive change in global health for all people.
Expected Outcomes
A fruitful discussion on what we can achieve in health until 2030 and beyond and on what we have to initialize now for positive change.
Increased visibility for the networks and their research topics
Interdisciplinary exchange with other researchers having similar goals, such as contributing to the achievement of the SDG3
Networking with stakeholders, such as government, industry and civil society representatives, interested in bringing research results into policy and practice