West Africa Regional Centre

The WWARN West Africa Regional Centre facilitates networking activities in the region and helps researchers to develop their research skills and implement drug resistance surveillance strategies.

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Credit Rick Scavetta, US Army Africa

With the confirmation of artemisinin drug resistance emerging from Southeast Asia, raising awareness of the potential public health impact of drug resistant malaria in Africa is critical.

WWARN activities in West Africa

Build capacity in malaria-endemic countries of the region
Identify and adapt research approaches to meet the challenges of local endemic communities and stakeholders
Provide tailored clinical study support to local researchers – for example train researchers to gain skills in efficient data and specimen management, and data analysis
Facilitate national and regional research dissemination and advocacy initiatives such as advocating for regional funding of research activities related to antimalarial drug efficacy
Create Study Groups open to researchers across the region who would like to propose and answer research questions on themes such as drug efficacy
Advocate for the building of surveillance networks and tools to ensure early identification of artemisinin resistance
Provide support to participate in the WWARN External Quality Assurance Programmes
Coordinate an ongoing literature review and data analysis of molecular markers of sulfadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) in collaboration with the MIP Scientific Group and common ACT partner drugs

We are working with a range of regional partners including WHO / AFRO, the RBM West Africa Regional Network (WARN), the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), research centres and universities, national malaria control programmes (NMCPs), development agencies, and the African Development Bank (ADB).

Become a part of the WWARN community

The West Africa Regional Centre provides help and advice on how to become involved in our research activities, including how to join or form a Study Group, become part of the WWARN External Quality Assurance programmes, or plan a training workshop. Register to read latest news and updates in the WWARN newsletter.