AFRITRAC

The challenge

As noted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Africa has a severe shortage of trained epidemiologists. It has an estimated 1,900 field epidemiologists, compared with a need for 6,000, and 5,000 frontline epidemiologists compared with a target of 25,000.

In addition, relatively few epidemiologists in Africa have expertise or experience in biostatistics and infectious disease modelling. The capacity to establish predictive modelling to guide disease control activities is therefore limited. Where capacity does exist, experts tend to be isolated, with limited opportunities to network, gain new expertise and experience, and advance their careers.

The project

The AFRITRAC project is working with Africa CDC to create a regional hub to support the training and networking of epidemiologists with skills in data analysis and modelling.

The project will create training opportunities for 35 early-career professionals (13 from Central Africa and 11 each from East and West Africa) to gain additional skills in biostatistics, data analysis and mathematical modelling. Training will have a strong emphasis on both theoretical understanding and practical application to address priority public health questions.

Fellows will complete a master’s programme, which will draw on materials and course content already developed by project partners. Curricula will be harmonised across the six training institutions to ensure quality and coherence.

As part of their training, fellows will undertake two specially designed short courses on infectious disease modelling and human/behavioural aspects of infectious disease control. The latter is designed to strengthen fellows’ language skills and their appreciation of the impact of social and cultural factors on disease epidemiology. Through a visiting fellowship component of the programme, fellows will be able to spend 3 months experiencing the language and culture of another country, broadening their horizons and cross-cultural sensitivity.

In addition, 15 members of the programme’s cohort will be supported to undertake a more in-depth research fellowship in a European or sub-Saharan African country. 

The programme will also serve as a regional hub for networking. An annual networking forum will be organised, and the project team is engaging with national public health partners to ensure that fellows can gain hands-on experience through placements. Course content will focus strongly on Africa's public health priorities, including outbreak responses, vulnerable populations, surveillance, the impacts of climate change, and emerging and re-emerging pathogens. 

Impact

The AFRITRAC project will make a major contribution to developing the expertise of Africa’s public health workforce. It will:

• Build the skills of epidemiologists in Africa so they are better able to analyse as well as collect data.
• Develop well-rounded professionals with a broad range of technical skills as well as interpersonal skills that will enable them to function in a variety of settings within the region.
• Harmonise curricula across teaching institutions, ensuring consistency and coverage of key emerging approaches.
• Have a multiplier effect as trainees pass on their skills and experiences to others.

The AFRITRAC project will build skills in key areas of biostatistics and infectious disease modelling, ensuring that countries are better able to detect, prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.