Epidemiology and Biostatistics Course equips early- and mid-career researchers with critical skills
By Wanetam Admin
From 7th to 18th April 2025, WANETAM in collaboration with the West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA) and the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, co-organised a training course on Epidemiology and Biostatistics in Dakar, Senegal. The course, bringing together 31 early- and mid-career researchers from nine countries in West Africa, aimed to equip researchers across sub-region with advanced analytical skills essential for tackling the region’s most pressing health challenges.
The intensive programme funded by GSK, provided participants with robust training in epidemiological methods, statistical analysis, and research design. Participants gained valuable expertise in both theoretical concepts and practical applications, with hands-on sessions covering cutting-edge statistical tools and epidemiological approaches.
Participants highlighted how the training strengthened their foundational knowledge and enhanced their analytical capabilities. Dr. Gloria Pokuaa Manu, a WANETAM TALENT Fellow currently pursuing her PhD at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, emphasised that the programme would enable her to “apply more robust statistical methods in the study of infectious disease patterns and genetic epidemiology.” She added: “As a Ghanaian researcher, this experience has equipped me with the skills and networks needed to contribute more meaningfully to public health research and policy in Ghana and across Africa.”
The training’s impact extends beyond individual skills development to addressing regional public health priorities. Dr. Seyi Ayoola-Williams, a Clinical Microbiologist and WANETAM TALENT Fellow pursuing her PhD at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, noted that the training enhanced her ability to “design more robust studies, analyse data more critically, apply statistical tools with greater confidence, and make sound, data-driven interpretations.” She believes that the knowledge gained from the course will improve the quality of evidence, contribute toward shaping regional TB-control strategies and inform public health decision-making.
The programme specifically addressed capacity building in genetic epidemiology and advanced statistical methods, critical areas for understanding disease transmission patterns and developing targeted interventions. According to Dr. Ndong Ignatius Cheng, a Prof. Ogobara Doumbo Postdoctoral Research Fellow at WANETAM, the course improved his knowledge of statistical tools to answer research questions, particularly in genetic epidemiology. He emphasised that the skills acquired would strengthen his capacity “to contribute to informed policymaking as well as mentoring the next generation of scientists.
This course exemplifies WANETAM’s commitment to strengthening research capacity across West Africa and fostering a collaborative network of skilled researchers equipped to address the region’s unique health challenges. By investing in the development of local expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics, WANETAM continues to play a crucial role in building sustainable research infrastructure and improving health outcomes throughout West Africa.
