The Global Health Network

A huge thank you to everyone who joined last week's live briefing with the World Health Organization! 🙏🌍 The World Health Organization (WHO) and The Global Health Network convened a global event to present the key aspects of the new WHO guidance for best practices for clinical trials. This is a major milestone in health research as it is the first time there is global guidance applicable to design and conduct of all clinical trials (whether or not they include investigational products), also with relevance to observational studies.   It was an honour to host Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO Chief Scientist, Dr Vasee Moorthy MD PhD, WHO Senior Advisor, Research for Health, and Dr John Reeder, TDR Director for an important and engaging briefing session to present the key aspects of this new guidance and outlining how this guidance can support and strengthen research projects.   It was truly inspiring to see a diverse audience representing a wide range of professional backgrounds, disciplines and research interests from countries around the world.   If you missed it, watch the replay in English, Spanish and Portuguese: https://lnkd.in/e4iRzhBX Explore the new guidance: https://lnkd.in/gjtMXmXt   Arabic and French recordings coming soon. #globalhealth #clinicaltrials #healthresearch

Did you know wastewater surveillance is helping to build public health resilience across Africa? 🌍💧 Last week, an extraordinary assembly came together to promote wastewater and environmental surveillance (WES) as a critical component of enhancing public health and health security in Africa at the GLOWACON Regional Conference. Dr. Marc Tahita from the Centre National de la Recherche Technologique et Scientifique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (Burkina Faso) and Dr. Vito Baraka from the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) - Tanzania, presented the ODIN Wastewater Surveillance Project and the ODIN-Mpox initiative at the GLOWACON Regional Conference.   The ODIN Consortium is a collaborative effort bringing together a diverse group of leading institutions from around the world. The mission is to advance environmental surveillance for the betterment of public health. Through collective expertise, innovative research, and a global perspective, the goal is to drive positive change in the field of environmental health. The ODIN-Mpox initiative aims to advance genomic surveillance and wastewater-based epidemiology of mpox in response to the current epidemic. The Global Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance Consortium (GLOWACON) Regional Conference, held on 9–10 December, was hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HERA). It was inspiring be a part of this event that convened over 250 participants from diverse sectors—including experts, scientists, policymakers, funders, researchers, and implementers to chart a course for advancing public health resilience in Africa through wastewater and environmental surveillance. Learn more about the ODIN Wastewater Surveillance Project: https://odin-wsp.tghn.org/ Global Health EDCTP3 #globalhealth #publichealth #mpox

Only 2 weeks to go! There’s still time to register for the upcoming webinar, 'WHO launches new clinical trials guidance – What do I need to know?' Languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese    In September 2024, the World Health Organization published ‘Guidance for best practices for clinical trials.’ This is a major milestone in health research as it is the first time there is global guidance applicable to design and conduct of all clinical trials (whether or not they include investigational products), also with relevance to observational studies.     The WHO and The Global Health Network are convening this unmissable briefing to present the key aspects of this new guidance and outlining how this guidance can support and strengthen your research projects. The key learnings include:    - How WHO can enable your work in clinical research.  - How stakeholders can use the guidance to advance patient-centred clinical research.  - How implementation leads to enabling more efficient clinical research ecosystems.  - Raising awareness of a Global Action Plan on Clinical Trial Ecosystem Strengthening.  - Catalysing discussions on what stakeholder groups can do to take forward actions aligned with their strategies.    Speakers:  Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO Chief Scientist   Dr Vasee Moorthy, WHO Senior Advisor, Research for Health    Looking forward to seeing you there!    📅 13 December at 13:00 GMT  🔗https://lnkd.in/eYsVZfkC #clinicaltrials #globalhealth #healthresearch

The Global Health Network is excited to announce the launch of the Global Snakebite Research Hub. Globally, five million people are bitten by venomous snakes annually, causing devastation in low- and middle-income countries. As a neglected tropical disease, snakebite demands research to reduce illnesses and deaths. The new hub showcases initiatives, opportunities and connects researchers with tools, resources, and training. Explore the platform, access resources and register for upcoming meetings: https://lnkd.in/enTAp9Uy Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far to help shape the priorities for this initiative. If you would like to learn more about the next steps, join the Global Snakebite Hub Kick-off meeting on 4 December 2024 at 13:00 GMT. Register: https://lnkd.in/ey95ZnbR

Upcoming webinar - Engaging with Communities - Lessons learnt from Africa and the United Kingdom    This webinar welcomes four experts who will share their experiences, challenges, and top tips for working within communities in Africa and the UK.     Panellists:  - Lungile Jafta - Youth Engagement, Penta Foundation, South Africa  - Bosco Mukasa - Community Advisory Board Liaison, Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), Uganda  - Noni Mumba - Patient and Public Involvement Lead, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kenya  - Kate Sturgeon - PPI Coordinator, MRC Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), University College London (UCL), London    This interactive discussion will give you the chance to learn from their community engagement journeys and ask any questions you may have!    📅 9 December 2024 at 10:00 (UTC)  🔗 Register for the webinar:  https://lnkd.in/eJjh_XNC  #globalhealth #TheGlobalHealthNetwork #communityengagement 

Upcoming webinar - Biorepositories for the Public Good, Part II: Benefits and Ethical Considerations for Access to Specimens for Epidemic Preparedness    Join this webinar to explore the Virtual Biorepository System (VBS), an innovative model for equitable and rapid access to biological specimens to enhance outbreak preparedness.    The VBS model was developed by the University of Colorado VBS team and The Global Health Network to address critical barriers within global health research, such as the benefit-sharing laws under the Nagoya Protocol.    The event will discuss legal frameworks, ethics, governance, and the sustainability of biorepositories - facilitating timely access to specimens and data crucial for developing diagnostics, vaccines, and research on infectious diseases.    With the featured experts:  - Dr May Chu - University of Colorado  - Dr Rebecca Katz - Georgetown University    Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the future of outbreak preparedness!    📅 5 December 2024 at 14:00 (UTC)  🔗 Register for the webinar:  https://lnkd.in/eZanYzzp     #globalhealth #TheGlobalHealthNetwork #VirtualBiorepositorySystem #EpidemicPreparedness 

A special thanks to those who joined today’s insightful presentation, ‘Advancing Resilient Health Systems, Equity, and the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health by Building a Community of Practice’ led by Prince Ebenezer Adjei. Prince Adjei is an AI healthcare specialist working within the Global Health and Infectious Disease (GHID) group at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR). With extensive experience in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to health challenges in low- and middle-income countries, Prince is committed to using technology to enhance health system resilience while ensuring equitable access and responsible governance. Prince is the AI4GH Africa Coordinator at The Global Health Network. Prince brings his expertise and passion in this specialist area to the AI for Global Health Research initiative, which brings together practitioners to support the development and implementation of AI technologies and solutions that improve health and health care, reduce health disparities, and enhance health systems. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gdMdvXMQ Today’s discussion underscored the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, whilst also highlighting the ethical complexities and the necessity of building communities of practice. These communities are essential for exchanging ideas, creating sustainable frameworks, and ensuring that AI advances health outcomes equitably. #HSR2024, #AI4GH, #GlobalHealthAI #capacitybuilding #healthresearch #globalhealth, #digitalhealth #TheGlobalHealthNetwork   

It was great to engage with those who attended the panel discussion on: ‘AI4GH: Achievements, Lessons Learned, and Way Forward.’ There was a rich exchange of insights into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to accelerate global health research outcomes. The esteemed speakers highlighted both the potential and the challenges in utilising AI for health equity and sustainable impact in low- and middle-income countries. With panellists from across the world representing diverse institutions including IECS - Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), PHC Global, International Development Institute (IDI), HealthAI - The Global Agency for Responsible AI in Health, University of Toronto, American University of Beirut (AUB), The Global Health Network and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The panel highlighted the importance of local leadership, emphasising the necessity of empowering communities through quality research projects. The AI in Global Health Research initiative is a testament to this, underscoring the importance of equipping researchers on the ground with the tools and skills they need to advance global health. #HSR2024, #AI4GH, #GlobalHealthAI #capacitybuilding #healthresearch #globalhealth, #digitalhealth #TheGlobalHealthNetwork 

The Global Health Network was honoured to engage in a thought-provoking discussion today on ‘Bridging the Gap: From AI Innovations to Healthcare Transformation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.’ This important session explored the role of Artificial Intelligence in revolutionising healthcare and examined how AI innovations can be effectively and equitably deployed to build stronger health systems across the globe.      Today’s panel featured specialists across global health such IECS - Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), PHC Global, International Development Institute (IDI), HealthAI - The Global Agency for Responsible AI in Health, University of Toronto and American University of Beirut (AUB). The Global Health Network highlighted about the Artificial Intelligence for Global Health Research initiative - a platform that accelerates learning and innovation in the use of AI for public health worldwide. Learn more about this initiative here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/egz3NCiN      Why this matters: The 2024 Symposium, themed ‘Building Just and Sustainable Health Systems: Centering People and Protecting the Planet’, invites us all to reimagine health systems that are inclusive, resilient, and responsive to the twin challenges of human health and planetary wellbeing. This conversation is not just about technological advancement but about ensuring equity and sustainability, and it starts by building capacity, fostering engagement, and strengthening global collaboration. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this rich dialogue!      Key themes discussed:   - Leveraging AI for accessible and equitable healthcare in low-resource settings. - Building local capacity to integrate innovations sustainably. - The urgent need for people-centered health systems that also prioritise environmental sustainability.    #HSR2024, #AI4GH, #GlobalHealthAI #capacitybuilding #healthresearch #globalhealth, #digitalhealth #TheGlobalHealthNetwork

Today marks the start of the much-anticipated ‘Global Symposium on Health Systems Research 2024.’ It's wonderful to get together with colleagues in an atmosphere of innovation and commitment, as health system experts, practitioners, and researchers from around the world gather under this year’s theme, 'Building Just and Sustainable Health Systems: Centering People and Protecting the Planet.’ It is great to meet colleagues from the AI for Global Health Research (AI4GH) initiative. The AI4GH is a research and development initiative led by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), which aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to address global health challenges in developing countries. The focus is on developing and evaluating AI-powered solutions to improve healthcare delivery, increase access to medical information, and support health decision-making in low- and middle-income countries.    If you’re attending, be sure to join these sessions that feature insights, experiences and discussions with the AI for Global Health (AI4GH) global partners. Here’s where you’ll find The Global Health Network team:     📅 Wednesday, 20 November 2024   Capacity Strengthening Workshop: Bridging the Gap from AI Innovations to Healthcare Transformation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries      📅 Thursday, 21 November 2024    Panel Discussion: AI4GH: Achievements, Lessons Learned, and Way Forward   📅 Friday, 22 November 2024   Oral Presentation with Prince Ebenezer Adjei: Advancing Resilient Health Systems, Equity, and the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence by Building a Community of Practice The Global Health Network is thrilled to be an integral part of these crucial conversations as the intersections of technology, equity, and resilience in health systems are explored; beginning with the dynamic satellite sessions today. Don’t miss the upcoming sessions and learn about how individuals and organisations can strengthen health systems and harness AI responsibly for health equity.    🔗 Learn more about the AI for Global Health initiative here: https://lnkd.in/egz3NCiN    For full the programme visit: https://lnkd.in/eAWR9tSA