The West Africa Health Organization (WAHO) signed a two year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) on 23 January 2019 at WAHO’s Headquarters in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
The MOU between WAHO and AFENET was signed by the Director General, WAHO, Prof Stanley Okolo and the Executive Director, AFENET, Dr Chima Ohuabunwo. Dr Ohuabunwo was accompanied by AFENET Director Programs, Dr Simon Antara and Resident Advisor, Nigeria FELTP, Dr Patrick Nguku.
The purpose of the MOU is to provide a framework for cooperation and to facilitate and strengthen the collaboration and coordination between the parties, on a non – exclusive basis, in areas of common interest.
The two parties agreed on seven areas of interest:
Human resources for health focusing on public health workforce development in West African countries
Epidemic and other public health emergency preparedness and response in West African countries
Disease control
Health information and research for health
Epidemiological technical assistance including surveys and assessments
Documentation and dissemination – conference, reports
Advancing “One Health” collaboration and implementation
WAHO is the regional agency charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the health of the peoples in the sub-region through the initiation and harmonization of the policies of member states, pooling of resources, and cooperation with regional and international partners to collectively and strategically combat the health problems of the sub-region.
AFENET is dedicated to helping Ministries of Health in Africa build strong, effective, sustainable programs and capacity to improve public health systems on the African continent.