Projects and partnerships

The WANIDA research network builds partnerships open to all players linked to AECs (African Centers of Excellence): emerging AECs, universities in countries with an impact on AECs, international research organizations and the private sector.

Study groups form the core of networks of specialists in various thematic areas of infectious disease research.
Calls for expressions of interest are used to encourage the formation of study groups linked to these themes.

The activities of the WANIDA network focus on advancing research into theetiology of febrile illnesses in the sub-region, with an immediate focus on emerging viral pathogens. The WANIDA network contributes to global efforts to combat the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Drawing on the wealth of expertise and partnership networks of its professors and associates, the network enables joint COVID-19-related activities to be carried out in partner countries in three main areas:
1. Serological studies to characterize the immune response to COVID-19 infection,
2. Sequencing and metagenomic analyses to monitor the evolution and pathogenesis of the virus,
3. Health systems research to assess the dynamics of knowledge and practices relating to COVID-19.

Other WANIDA research is aimed at studying non-malarial febrile illnesses.

Currently, several findings provide overwhelming evidence of the overdiagnosis of malaria in febrile patients, while indicating that the burden of febrile illness in sub-Saharan Africa is heterogeneous. However, in non-malarial febrile illness, determination of etiology is likely to occur only in severe cases. Consequently, studies are needed to establish a basic epidemiology in order to develop appropriate diagnostic, treatment and prevention strategies.