Work Package 5 (WP5): Training, Competencies, Transfer & Research
Work Package 5 (WP5) Training, Competencies, Transfer & Research At BRIDGE NETWORK, Work Package 5 (WP5) serves as our crucial training monitoring dashboard, providing a comprehensive overview of our program’s progress and impact. WP5 is instrumental in showcasing the diverse areas our BRIDGE NETWORK trainees are exploring, the advancements in their research, and the knowledge exchange plans that fuel collaborative research in critically under-served areas of infectious diseases across Sub-Saharan Africa. WP5 ensures all training components are aligned, complementary, and function as a cohesive whole, maximizing the effectiveness of our program. A core aspect of WP5 involves our four post-doctoral fellows. They play a vital role in: Selecting high-quality research topics that address the most pressing unmet needs in infectious diseases within Sub-Saharan African countries. Strongly mentoring and supervising other PhD and MSc trainees at their respective institutions. This dedicated mentorship is crucial for individual career development, preparing trainees to eventually operate their own independent research labs and significantly increasing the number of students trained within the BRIDGE NETWORK. Identifying critical research problems that can be effectively solved through the use of observational data. These problems are directly linked to addressing the real needs of local health systems. Through WP5, we’re not just monitoring progress; we’re actively fostering groundbreaking research, cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, and ensuring our efforts directly address the most urgent health challenges in the region.
Work Package 4 (WP4): Quality Assurance and Evaluation
Work Package 4 (WP4) Quality Assurance and Evaluation At BRIDGE NETWORK, Work Package 4 (WP4) is dedicated to upholding the highest standards in all our training programs. Our primary objective is to develop a robust quality assurance and evaluation framework that guarantees the effectiveness and impact of every BRIDGE training initiative. WP4 achieves this by focusing on three key areas: Developing Clear Evaluation Criteria: We establish precise benchmarks and standards to objectively assess the quality and outcomes of our training programs. This ensures that every program meets our high expectations and delivers tangible results for our trainees. Creating Effective Monitoring Tools: We design and implement tools that allow us to continuously track the progress and performance of our training programs in real-time. This proactive approach helps us identify areas for improvement and maintain consistent quality. Implementing Strong Feedback Mechanisms: We create clear channels for gathering feedback from trainees, trainers, and other stakeholders. This valuable input is essential for continuous improvement and helps us refine our programs to meet evolving needs. Through WP4, we are committed to providing exceptional training experiences and ensuring that all BRIDGE NETWORK programs are not only impactful but also continuously evolving to serve our community better.
Work Package 3 (WP3): Data Harmonisation and Technical Infrastructure
Work Package 3 (WP3) Data Harmonisation and Technical Infrastructure At BRIDGE NETWORK, Work Package 3 (WP3) is all about transforming raw data into powerful insights. We focus on designing and deploying cutting-edge data harmonization tools and infrastructure to make health data more accessible and useful for research. Beyond the technical implementation, WP3 is dedicated to technical training and skills transfer for our trainees. This means you’ll gain hands-on experience and valuable expertise in data management. Our team collaborates closely with data owners and legal custodians to create and implement data pipelines (ETLs). These pipelines are crucial for mapping diverse datasets to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM). We also ensure data alignment with the WHO Digital Adaptation Kits, promoting global data standards. Our efforts are concentrated on key areas, including: Malaria HIV Tuberculosis Diarrhea medications (enabling anti-microbial resistance research) Other targeted infectious diseases, including emerging and re-emerging viral pandemics Through this rigorous data harmonization process, we generate high-quality data that includes diagnostic codes, drug utilization, laboratory tests, and geospatial information. This harmonized data is then readily available for use by both our trainees and a wider research audience, fueling critical discoveries in infectious diseases.
Work Package 2 (WP2): Project Scientific Leadership
Work Package 2 (WP2) Project Scientific Leadership At BRIDGE NETWORK, Work Package 2 (WP2) is dedicated to building the robust educational foundation of our doctoral and certification training programs. We’re committed to delivering cutting-edge curricula that foster high-quality research and equip our trainees with practical, in-demand skills. WP2 is responsible for: Curriculum Development: We design comprehensive curricula focused on key areas within health informatics and data sciences. Our goal is to empower trainees to conduct impactful research, particularly in infectious diseases of interest. Innovative Program Structure: We meticulously coordinate the design of our training programs, incorporating a dynamic mix of learning experiences. This includes engaging lectures, interactive workshops, insightful seminars, and hands-on hackathons, alongside valuable collaborative research studies and practical exercises. Certification Program Excellence: For our certification program, WP2 provides scientific leadership to ensure the content is top-tier. We define clear program and learning objectives and curate a specialized list of training opportunities. This focused approach enables our trainees to develop crucial field competencies, preparing them for real-world impact. Through WP2, we’re not just offering training; we’re crafting a transformative educational journey that shapes the next generation of leaders in health informatics and data sciences.
Work Package 1 (WP1): Project Coordination and governance
Work Package 1 (WP1) Project Coordination and governance At BRIDGE NETWORK, Work Package 1 (WP1) is the backbone of our training programs, ensuring every aspect, from start to finish, is seamlessly coordinated, communicated, and managed for your success. WP1 is responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of our training initiatives. This includes: End-to-end Management: From the careful selection and intake of trainees to the successful completion of their programs, we meticulously track every phase. Fostering Collaboration: We actively nurture collaborative research and ensure all stakeholders, including team members, trainers, and partners, are working together effectively. Adherence to Standards: WP1 guarantees that all training adheres to established schedules and remains within budget, maximizing the value of our programs. Resource Management & Problem Solving: We efficiently manage all necessary resources and are adept at resolving any logistical or operational challenges that may arise. Open Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication channels with all internal and external stakeholders is paramount to our approach. Our dedicated coordination and management teams within WP1 work tirelessly to ensure the successful delivery and seamless operation of every training program. This commitment allows us to optimize the program’s impact and achieve the desired results for all participants.
Aga Khan University (AKU)
BRIDGE NETWORK NODES Aga Khan University (AKU) Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, not-for-profit institution and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network. It is science-based and serves as a focal point for leadership, expertise, and coordination to address public health concerns in line with global health security requirements. AKU commenced operations in 1983 in Pakistan and expanded to East Africa in 2000, with campuses in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Its primary objective is to promote evidence-based public health practices, conduct impactful research, and enhance the capacity of health professionals in the developing world. The Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoEWCH) was established in 2012 as a research unit within the obstetrics and gynaecology department of the Aga Khan University (AKU) with Prof Zulfiqar A Bhutta as the Founding Director. In 2015, Prof Marleen Temmerman was welcomed as the East Africa (EA) Director of the Centre to build capacity across East Africa. CoEWCH EA conducts research, knowledge translation, capacity building, and evidence-based advocacy in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and rights to improve the health and wellbeing of women, children, and adolescents. With a focus on establishing high quality education, multidisciplinary research, and trainings in women, child, and adolescent health, the Centre contributes to health systems strengthening and quality of care, particularly in remote groups and vulnerable populations. Vision: The Aga Khan University will be an autonomous, international institution of distinction, primarily serving the developing world and Muslim societies in innovative and enduring ways. Mission: The Aga Khan University is committed to the development of human capacities through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, and application through service. TEAM LEAD: Work Package 4: Quality Assurance and Evaluation. ADDRESS: Aga Khan University, 3rd Parklands Avenue, off Limuru Road P.O. Box 30270 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya PRIMARY CONTACT: Prof. Marleen Temmerman WEBSITE: https://www.aku.edu PHD FELLOW ATTACHED TO AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY (AKU) We have one PHD Fellow attached to Aga Khan University (AKU) Centre of Excellence as below Evaline Chepchirchir Langat Evaline Chepchirchir Langat Graduated as a Registered Nurse from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton (Kenya) in 2007, and later earned a master’s degree in public health from Flinders University (Australia) in 2014. From 2007 to 2014, she served as a clinical nurse within Kenya’s public health system, gaining hands-on experience in patient care and community health. Upon returning from my postgraduate studies in 2014, she was appointed to lead the Health Research Unit in the County Government of Kilifi, a role she held until 2022. Since then, she has transitioned into a full-time role as a Public Health Researcher at the Aga Khan University, Kenya, where she continues to contribute to evidence-based health policy and systems research. She lead transformative research initiatives addressing adolescent perinatal mental health, gender vulnerabilities and health, and sexual and reproductive health. Her career trajectory spans clinical care, health research coordination, and public health leadership, including establishing Kilifi County’s health research unit and co-developing a regional strategic plan for adolescent health. Evaline Chepchirchir Langat PHD Fellow@Aga Khan University, Nairobi Kenya
Hillary Koros Kimutai
BRIDGE NETWORK – PhD student Hillary Koros Kimutai is a mixed-methods Health Systems and Policy Researcher with over eight years of experience in data-driven health research. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology (2012) and a Master of Science in Environmental Biology (2016) from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), Kenya. His research expertise lies at the intersection of Health Informatics, Data Science, and Implementation Science. He has served as a Research Officer at the Aga Khan University and at the KEMRI Wellcome-Trust Research Programme, contributing to the design, implementation, and analysis of large-scale public health studies in Kenya. He is passionate about using data science methodologies to strengthen health systems and improve treatment outcomes in resource-limited settings. University of Rwanda (UR) College of Business and Economics PhD by Research in Data Science (Data Mining Science)
The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI)
BRIDGE NETWORK NODES The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) was established by the Council ofMinisters’ regulation No. 301/2013, which recognises the institute as an autonomousfederal government office having its own legal personality. The institute is accountableto the Federal Minister of Health.Vision: To be a center of excellence in public health in Africa.Mission: To improve the health of the general public of Ethiopia through undertakingresearch on priority health and nutrition issues for evidence-based informationutilisation and technology transfer; effective public health emergency management;establishing a quality laboratory system; and training public health researchers andpractitioners for the best public health interventions.TEAM LEAD: Work Package 6 – Regulatory, ethics, gender, diversity and inclusion plan.ADDRESS: Gulele Sub City, near Pasteur Square Addis Abeba EthiopiaPRIMARY CONTACT: Mr. Negga Asamene AberaWEBSITE: https://ephi.gov.et/about-us/
Institut Régional de Santé Publique Comlan Alfred Quenum (IRSP-CAQ)
BRIDGE NETWORK NODES Institut Régional de Santé Publique Comlan Alfred Quenum (IRSP-CAQ) Institut Régional de Santé Publique Comlan Alfred Quenum (IRSP-CAQ) de Ouidah is asemi-autonomous institution of the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC) under theacademic and technical oversight of the Ministry of Health of Benin. It is science-basedand serves as a national and regional center of excellence for leadership, expertise, andcoordination in addressing public health challenges, in alignment with global healthsecurity and sustainable development goals. It commenced operations in 1977 with theprimary objective of promoting evidence-based public health practices, conductingmultidisciplinary research, and strengthening the capacities of health professionals andinstitutions in Benin and across the African region.Vision: To contribute to improving the performance of health systems for the healthdevelopment of countries in the WHO African region. To this end, it strengthens theprofessional capacities of health personnel and supports Ministries of Health in theirefforts to meet the health needs of populations.Mission: To become a proven and recognized center of excellence offering a varied andcomprehensive range of training, conducting research activities and carrying outexpertise and service delivery that make an appropriate and specific contribution tosolving the major health development challenges of countries in the African regionADDRESS:Institut Régional de Santé Publique (IRSP-CAQ)Route des Esclaves, OuidahBP 384 Ouidah – BéninPRIMARY CONTACT: Professor GLELE AHANHANZO Yolaine,WEBSITE: http://irsp-ouidah.org PHD FELLOWS ATTACHED TO Institut Régional de Santé Publique Comlan Alfred Quenum (IRSP-CAQ) We have two PHD Fellows attached to Institut Régional de Santé Publique Comlan Alfred Quenum (IRSP-CAQ) Center of Excellence as below Hosanna Agbangla PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@Benin Hosanna is particularly interested in digital health and data-driven early epidemic detection to enhance preparedness and response in resource-constrained settings. Hosanna Agbangla PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@Benin Hosanna Agbangla graduated as a Medical Doctor from the Faculty of Health Sciences (University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin) in 2019, and obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Health (Health Systems Organization & Policy) from the Regional Institute of Public Health – IRSP-CAQ in 2024. Since then, He has worked across multiple levels of Benin’s health system—from emergency and hospital care to departmental public health—building strong expertise in planning, management, monitoring & evaluation, and data analysis for decision-making. He currently contributes to the Public Health and Response Service of the Littoral Departmental Health Directorate (DDS Littoral), supporting programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation, vaccination activities, and epidemiological investigations at departmental level. Previously, He led multidisciplinary care teams in the Epidemic Treatment Centers of Allada and Abomey-Calavi, managing suspected and confirmed cases of epidemic-prone diseases (COVID-19, Mpox, Lassa fever) and helping design surveillance, isolation and treatment protocols in high-vigilance settings. During the national COVID-19 response, He also served as the elected lead for volunteer physicians liaising with the Ministry of Health, coordinating deployments and helping resolve operational issues—an experience that strengthened my leadership and crisis-management skills. His professional focus lies in health systems strengthening, disease surveillance, and the practical use of data (incl. STATA) to improve public health outcomes. Hosanna is particularly interested in digital health and data-driven early epidemic detection to enhance preparedness and response in resource-constrained settings. Ally Farid Olatoundé A. PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@Benin He has worked in the field of public health and research, with expertise in vaccine equity, health systems management, epidemiological analysis, and digital health. Ally Farid Olatoundé A. PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@Benin Ally Farid Olatoundé A. is a Public Health Physician (MD, MPH), with a medical degree from the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin, 2022), and a recent Master of Public Health (2025) from the Regional Institute of Public Health (IRSP-CAQ/UAC). His background combines clinical medicine, public health, and applied research. He has worked in the field of public health and research, with expertise in vaccine equity, health systems management, epidemiological analysis, and digital health. He has conducted studies on vaccine equity, malnutrition, infectious diseases, and youth health. He has also collaborated with the Ministry of Health of Benin, contributing to the design of operational strategies and guidelines for vaccination programs. Institut Régional de Santé Publique Comlan Alfred Quenum (IRSP-CAQ), Porto-Novo, Benin
Ally Farid Olatoundé A.
BRIDGE NETWORK – PhD student Ally Farid Olatoundé A. is a Public Health Physician (MD, MPH), with a medical degree from the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin, 2022), and a recent Master of Public Health (2025) from the Regional Institute of Public Health (IRSP-CAQ/UAC). His background combines clinical medicine, public health, and applied research. He has worked in the field of public health and research, with expertise in vaccine equity, health systems management, epidemiological analysis, and digital health. He has conducted studies on vaccine equity, malnutrition, infectious diseases, and youth health. He has also collaborated with the Ministry of Health of Benin, contributing to the design of operational strategies and guidelines for vaccination programs. Institut Régional de Santé Publique Comlan Alfred Quenum (IRSP-CAQ), Porto-Novo, Benin
