West African Network for TB, AIDS and Malaria (WANETAM I)

WANETAM was established in 2009 through the support of EDCTP. The first phase of the network’s operation was implemented from 2009 to 2014. This included 14 institutions from seven countries. The network was further strengthened within the last two years by the contribution of EU member-states (Belgium and UK) initiated research project (WANETAM-plus), which ensured the inclusion of other African institutions, such as Benin.

At the end of WANETAM 1, the network registered major achievements including:

1. Created a collaborative research network of scientists from Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone countries in West Africa.
2. Supported short-term trainings that built both laboratory and clinical skills in the field of HIV, Malaria, and TB as well as in cross cutting disciplines, in view to support proficiency in clinical research including TB and HIV molecular diagnostic techniques, high-throughput molecular research techniques, immunological flow cytometry and multiplex assays, GCLP and GCP, Laboratory Equipment Maintenance skills, Ethics training, community support and engagement.
3. Facilitated hands-on surveillance training on multi-drug resistance, establishment of normal values of haematological and biochemical parameters in African subjects, and antimalarial drug resistance monitoring including molecular markers.