Songon, 08 oct 2024 (AIP)- A workshop aimed at strengthening health research partnerships between Switzerland and West African countries (ICS-WEST AFRICA) opened on Monday October 7, 2024 in Adiopodoumé, at the headquarters of the Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS).

This session is a collaborative initiative between the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), CSRS and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in Ghana (NMIMR).

This collaboration was facilitated by the shared vision of these institutions, which are committed to supporting their health experts in their competitive research, both before and after grants are awarded, through the establishment of strong research management structures.

According to project coordinator Dr. Kanny Diallo Kanny Diallo, the aim of the workshop is to enable researchers to have a common basis, both internally and externally, at the same level as international standards. It will also enable an action plan to be put in place for the first two years of activities, in particular the training of trainers to train research managers from different institutions, in order to facilitate collaboration and the management of large-scale projects.

“Donors are increasingly demanding. This workshop will enable us to fill the procedural gaps we often face. Exchanges with collaborators from other institutions who have worked with other donors will enable us to compete at the highest level”, added Ms. Diallo.

Prof. Inza Koné, Director General of CSRS in Côte d'Ivoire, spoke of the stakes involved in this project, encouraging participants to make the most of their knowledge during the training course.

Over four days, 25 participants will improve their skills in preparing and managing project budgets, forecasting, monitoring project finances and reporting to funders.

The ICS-WA project is funded by VELUX STIFTUNG and runs for four years, starting in September 2024. It includes rotating annual meetings and capacity-building sessions focusing on research management for those involved in managing research projects within the various institutions.

(AIP)

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