The University of Cape Town (UCT)
CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE (CoE) The University of Cape Town (UCT) The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a public research university in Cape Town, SouthAfrica. Established in 1829 and granted full university status in 1918. The Centre forIntegrated Data and Epidemiological Research (CIDER) conducts multi-disciplinaryresearch on priority health conditions in Southern Africa, in order to improve diseaseprevention and management. The center has strong links to service providers at bothprovincial and national levels and has supported the Western Cape Department ofHealth in establishing the provincial health data center, consolidating and linking allperson level digital health data.The Division of Computational Biology (CBIO) provides bioinformatics support toresearchers in other centers within the University of Cape Town and is a group ofresearchers themselves, developing cutting-edge methods and approaches tobioinformatics pipelines and open-source tools. Projects include metagenomics andhuman genome and exome sequencing.Both CBIO and CIDER collaborate on the BRIDGE NETWORK Project to train futureleaders in innovative integrated health informatics, data science and infectious diseaseskills.Vision: To be an inclusive, research-intensive African university that addresses thechallenges of our time with cutting-edge teaching and by both protecting andencouraging curiosity-driven research that has a real impact on our communities andenvironment. TEAM LEAD: Work Package 5: Training, Competencies Transfer and ResearchADDRESS: University of Cape Town, University Crescent, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701,South AfricaPRIMARY CONTACTS: Dr Meg Osler and Prof. Andrew BoulleWEBSITE: https://www.uct.ac.za PHD FELLOW ATTACHED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN (UCT) We have one PHD Fellow attached to the University of Cape Town (UCT) Centre of Excellence as below Ndinda Tandinda Makina Ndinda Tandinda Makina is a public health researcher with a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Biostatistics and Epidemiology from the University of Pretoria (2015) and a Bachelor of Science in Demography and Computer Science from University of Malawi(2006). Over the past 15 years, she has worked in research and program implementation, turning evidence into practical actions that improve health outcomes. She designs and conducts research and evaluation studies in public health, focusing on areas such as reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH), TB, HIV, nutrition, food security, and tobacco control. Her work involves developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems, collecting and analyzing both primary and secondary data, and translating findings into actionable recommendations for health programs and policies. She has conducted research and program evaluations in multiple settings across South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique, working and collaborating with Anova Health Institute, John snow, ministries of health, agricultural agencies, universities, and international organizations. Her projects have ranged from large-scale population surveys and cohort studies to program-specific evaluations and implementation science initiatives. She has also provided technical support for data management, capacity building, and dissemination of research findings. Ndinda Tandinda Makina PHD Fellow@the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa
Aga Khan University (AKU)
CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE (CoE) 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
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)
CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE (CoE) 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
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH)
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) is a government agency under theMinistry of Health and Care Services. NIPH is mandated to serve as the knowledgeagency within the health and care sector; responsible for preparedness in the event ofinfectious disease outbreaks, chemical or environmental incidents, Norway’s centralactor for health data, and Responsible for key national services.Vision: To better health for all and the Societal Mission: The Norwegian Institute of Public Health shall produce, synthesize, anddisseminate knowledge to support effective public health initiatives and high-qualityhealth and care services.TEAM LEAD CO-LEAD in Work Package 6, regulatory, ethics, gender, diversity andinclusion plan and Work Package 7: dissemination, exploitation, communication andpublic engagement ADDRESS: Oslo, Bergen, Levanger, Tynset and Trondheim PRIMARY CONTACT: Venkateswaran Mahima WEBSITE: https://www.fhi.no/en/ab/niph/
Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH)
CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE (CoE) UGANDA NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) is a semi-autonomous institution ofthe Ministry of Health. It’s science-based and serves as a focal point for the country’sleadership, expertise, and coordination to address public health concerns in line withglobal health security requirements.It commenced operations in 2013 with the primary objective of promoting evidence-based public health practices, conducting research, and enhancing the capacity ofhealth professionals in Uganda. Vision: To contribute towards a healthy and productive population.Mission: To provide leadership in disease surveillance, prevention and control and tocontribute to social equity and full realization of the right to health protection throughgeneration and dissemination of knowledge, skills training for human resources, andinnovation in multidisciplinary research to inform evidence-based public healthdecisions and policies.TEAM LEAD: Work Package 7 – Dissemination, exploitation, communication and publicengagement.ADDRESS: Lumumba Avenue, Kampala, Uganda PRIMARY CONTACT: Prof. Dr. Alex Riolexus Ario WEBSITE: https://www.uniph.go.ug PHD FELLOWS ATTACHED TO UGANDA NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH We have two PHD Fellows attached to Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) Center of Excellence as below Peter Baranga PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@UNIPH His work has focused on applying technology to improve data management for decision making in developing regions Peter Baranga PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@UNIPH Peter Baranga graduated with a Master of Science in Information Systems from Uganda Martyrs University, Uganda in 2013 and with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Makerere University, Uganda in 2006. Since November 2006, He has been working in the education sector as a teaching assistant in the Department of Computer Science and Later as an Assistant Lecturer in the Faculty of Science, Technology and Innovations at Mountains of the Moon University. He has been lecturing students mainly in the fields of Web-Applications Design, Database management systems, Information systems, object-oriented Programming as well as Supervision of students’ Academic projects. Over the years, he has been involved in several impactful projects, including Integrated Data Management System project at Mountains of the Moon University, Applied Curricula in Technology for East Africa (ACTEA) Project, and Applied Human Machine Intelligence (AHUMAIN) project. These experiences have deepened his passion for applying technology to improve data management for decision making, particularly in developing regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) Bridget Magoba PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@UNIPH Her work has focused on strengthening health systems in low-and middle-resource countries across different levels of implementation. Bridget Magoba PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@UNIPH Bridget Magoba holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (Makerere University, 2011), a Post graduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation (Uganda Management Institute, 2018), and a Master’s degree in Data Communication and Software Engineering (Makerere University, 2022). Since 2012, she has worked extensively in information systems for health, with experience spanning human resources for health, disease surveillance, maternal and child health services, immunization, and both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Her work has focused on strengthening health systems in low-and middle-resource countries across different levels of implementation. She implement health Information Systems (HIS) for disease surveillance across routine, emergency, and outbreak contexts at local, regional, and global levels. trained healthcare workers in electronic data management for routine surveillance, case-based, and aggregate outbreak reporting, covering both communicable (e.g., HIV/AIDS, TB) and non-communicable diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension). Her expertise includes customizing, developing, and testing HIS solutions, particularly on the DHIS2 platform and other digital health tools. She also supports data analysis and use, while providing strategic direction to ministries of health and partner organizations to strengthen decision-making and health outcomes. Kenya, South Africa, UNIPH-Uganda, Sierra Leone.
Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC)
CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE (CoE) Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) is the nation’s central health implementation agency for the Ministry of Health in Rwanda. RBC strives to improve the health of the Rwandan population by providing high-quality, affordable, and sustainable health care services. This is accomplished through the implementation of preventative, rehabilitative, and curative health interventions. RBC conducts scientific research, provides diagnostic services, and implements innovative health interventions to protect the nation against diseases and other health threats. Vision: To promote high quality, affordable, and sustainable health care services to the population through evidence-based interventions and practices guided by ethics and professionalism. Mission: To become a center of excellence for the prosperity of the country, ensuring quality health service delivery, education and research. TEAM LEAD: Work Package 2 – Project Scientific Leadership. ADDRESS: KG 644ST, Kigali, Rwanda PRIMARY CONTACT: Professor MUVUNYI Mambo Claude WEBSITE: https://www.rbc.gov.rw PHD FELLOWS ATTACHED TO Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) We have three PHD Fellows attached to Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) of Excellence as below Hosanna Agbangla PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) His professional focus lies in health systems strengthening, disease surveillance, and the practical use of data (incl. STATA) to improve public health outcomes. Hosanna Agbangla PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) 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. Hillary Koros Kimutai PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) Hillary Koros Kimutai’s research expertise lies at the intersection of Health Informatics, Data Science, and Implementation Science. Hillary Koros Kimutai PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) 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) Christian Ndinda PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) His interests lie in the application of predictive analytics, time series forecasting, and advanced statistical modeling to improve health program outcomes. Christian Ndinda PHD FELLOW-BRIDGE NETWORK@Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) Christian Ndinda is a data scientist and biostatistician with over eight years of experience working at the intersection of data, public health, and program implementation. He holds a Master of Science in Statistics from Annamalai University (2013) and a Postgraduate Program in Data Science and Business Analytics from the University of Texas at Austin (2022). Christian is currently positioned as a Biostatistics Senior Officer at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), where he oversees data cleaning, analysis, and reporting for national HIV/AIDS, STIs, and Blood Borne Infections (OBBI) programs. His responsibilities include performing advanced data analyses, generating strategic reports, assisting in research planning, and enhancing the application of data for public health decision-making. His background includes positions in the insurance sector as an Assistant Claims Manager and subsequently as a Data Analyst at Partners In Health, where he utilized statistical and machine learning techniques to enhance program monitoring and evaluation. His interests lie in the application of predictive analytics, time series forecasting, and advanced statistical modeling to improve health program outcomes. Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Kigali, Rwanda
Mountains of the Moon University (MMU)
Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) is a top-ten public university in Uganda(Webometrics, 2025) that started in 2005.In line with the University’s core mandate ofteaching, research and community service, the university’s strategic plan envisions aresearch driven university offering local and global solutions to current and futuredevelopmental challenges.It offers demand driven certificate, diploma and degree level programmes tailored to theneeds of the local, national and international community.The university has 6 faculties (Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Education, Facultyof Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Technology &Innovations, Faculty of Business and Management studies, Faculty of Arts and Socialsciences) and a directorate of Postgraduate studies.Currently, the university is offering a total of 42 academic programmes with a studentpopulation of 2460 students and 314 staff membersVision: To be a centre of excellence in teaching, research and community engagementfor sustainable development.Mission: To provide innovative and transformative education, research and communityEngagement for Social-economic Transformation ADDRESS: Fort Portal Uganda PRIMARY CONTACT: Prof John Rubaihayo, PhD. WEBSITE: https://www.mmu.ac.ug
edenceHealth
edenceHealth specializes in harmonizing real-world healthcare data into the OMOPCommon Data Model (CDM) standard, enabling large-scale analytics and evidencegeneration through open-source tools, federated infrastructure, and internationalcollaborations. edenceHealth’s vision and mission reflect a deep commitment to advancing healthcarethrough technological innovation and collaborative data science. By standardizing RWD,developing robust analytical tools, and fostering a culture of open science, the companyaims to play a pivotal role in the evolving RWE landscape.Our objective is not only to enhance the quality and accessibility of health data but also ensure that insights derived from this data translate into tangible improvements in patient care and public healthoutcomes.TEAM LEAD: Work Package 3 – Data harmonization and technical infrastructure.ADDRESS: Veldkant 33A, 2550 Kontich, Belgium PrimaryCONTACT PERSON: Lars HalvorsenWEBSITE: https://edence.health
