Towards an African-Led Model For Strengthening Capacity in Medical Statistics and Epidemiology in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Equitable Partnership Approach.

Abstract

This paper describes the International Statistics and Epidemiology Partnership (ISEP), initiated in January 2024 through a 5-year UK Medical Research Council (MRC) grant. The demand for expertise in applied medical statistics and epidemiology in Africa far exceeds supply, and is rapidly growing with large-scale data sources such as electronic health records, genomics, geospatial data, and wearable technology. ISEP aims to implement a sustainable strategy to strengthen capacity in applied medical statistics across early and mid-career stages in Africa, with a pathway to becoming African-led by 2028. The partnership involves six African research institutions and two UK institutions. Key objectives include creating a collaborative network of medical statisticians, increasing knowledge through shared training, and raising awareness of the need for greater capacity. Informed by a needs assessment survey, ISEP addresses identified barriers including lack of mentors, limited formal training, and insufficient networking and job opportunities, through four work packages covering networking, training, stakeholder engagement, and partnership management.