DURABLE Annual Meeting at Institut Pasteur: Strengthening Outbreak Preparedness Across Europe

The DURABLE annual meeting, held at the Institut Pasteur in Paris from February 19-21, 2025, brought together a collaborative network of research and public health institutions from across Europe. This network is dedicated to enhancing outbreak preparedness through a One Health approach. By focusing on pathogen detection, evolutionary analysis, and threat characterization, DURABLE aims to provide rapid, high-quality scientific insights to support the European Commission Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) in making informed decisions on cross-border health threats.

The Role of the Pasteur Network in DURABLE

The Pasteur Network (PN) plays a crucial role in the DURABLE project by enhancing capacity within the network through various training opportunities for its members. Here are some key initiatives led by the PN team:

  • Research Management during Outbreaks: The first school, launched in May 2024 in collaboration with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, resulted in the creation of a Research Management Community.
  • Metagenomics & NGS for Outbreak Response: Scheduled for July 7-11, 2025, at Institut Pasteur, this course will focus on pathogen detection, outbreak tracing, phylodynamics, and pathogen evolution.
  • Webinars & MOOCs: The PN team initiated a series of webinars and a MOOC on Research Management, starting with a session on in vitro & in vivo models in September 2024. More sessions are planned for the future.
  • Mid-term Fellowships: Launching in 2025, these fellowships will facilitate staff exchanges between DURABLE partner institutions, providing hands-on training opportunities.

The DURABLE network, with the support of the Pasteur Network, continues to strengthen Europe’s ability to respond to health emergencies, ensuring a well-prepared and resilient public health infrastructure.

Read more about the DURABLE project : https://durableproject.org/

The Pasteur Network and the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) have signed a MoU to establish a collaborative framework to enhance global public health. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to address critical public health challenges through research, policy advocacy, capacity building, and the promotion of health equity.

Collaborative Efforts

The collaboration will focus on several key areas:

  • Epidemic Intelligence & Preparedness: Enhancing epidemic intelligence and preparedness through joint surveillance and research initiatives, particularly on climate-sensitive diseases.
  • Research, Development, & Innovation: Advancing scientific understanding and technological innovations in public health and biomedicine.
  • Policy Development and Advocacy: Developing and promoting global public health policies to positively influence health outcomes.
  • Capacity Building: Strengthening the capabilities of public health professionals and organizations through training programs, workshops, and knowledge exchange initiatives.
  • Promotion of Health Equity: Implementing strategies that promote equitable health outcomes across different populations.

Duration and Future Prospects

The MoU is effective for three years, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement. This partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing global public health. By combining their expertise and resources, the Pasteur Network and WFPHA aim to make substantial contributions to public health research, policy, and practice, ultimately improving health outcomes worldwide.

The Pasteur Network is delighted to announce the call for applications to join Scientific Working Groups. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards fostering a global community dedicated to advancing public health, biological research, and scientific excellence to work together better.

Composition of the Scientific Working Groups

The Scientific Working Groups will be composed of one representative from each member institute of the Pasteur Network, ensuring a broad spectrum of insights and expertise. This structure aims to reflect the diverse scientific pursuits and challenges across our network, promoting a collaborative approach to innovation public health, and research. Each institute will be represented in at least one Scientific Working Group, with the option for multiple individuals from each institute to apply and participate actively in these groups (see detailed description below).

Criteria for Participation

Eligibility:

  • Applicants must not hold directorial or department head positions within their respective institutes.
  • The participating institute must support the applicant’s involvement, including covering travel expenses for an annual in-person meeting as well as allowing time to participate in virtual discussions.

Desired Qualities and Expectations:

  • Commitment to achieving gender, regional, and subject area balance, in alignment with 9 key thematic areas: (1) Mother & Child Health (2) Vector-Borne Diseases impacted by Climate Change (3) Antimicrobial Resistance (4) R&D&I on Vaccines (5), on Therapeutics and (6) on Diagnostics, (7) Science Equity, (8) Epidemic Preparedness (9) Ethics.
  • Proficiency in English is preferred, although automatic translation will be available for virtual meetings.
  • A CV (no longer than 5 pages) highlighting relevant experiences and achievements.
  • Responses to two cover letter questions, focusing on the applicant’s unique contributions and visions aligned with the Pasteur Network’s strategic pillars.

 Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. The panel will aim for a balanced and diverse composition. Final candidates will be approved by the Board of the Pasteur Network.

Roles and Responsibilities

Members of the Scientific Working Groups will actively contribute to meetings, participate in working groups, and serve as liaisons with their respective institutes for a three-year term, renewable on a voluntary basis. The Chair of the Working Groups will be voted from among its members. The Chair will support the Working Groups to organize meetings, act as the primary contact point for the members of the Scientific Working Groups and with support from the Pasteur Network will provide an annual report on the deliberations, discussions, and plans of each Working Group. The mandate of the Chair is for 3 years, with the possibility of renewal.

Application Submission

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications on the Flexigrant platform (https://calls.pasteur-network.org/startapplication.aspx?id=14254). The application must include a short CV and written responses to the specified cover letter questions outlined in the application form. The selection process will honor the principles of balance, diversity, and excellence.

This opportunity represents not only a chance to contribute to the global health community but also to help shape the future of scientific research, public health and innovation within the Pasteur Network. We look forward to receiving your applications and welcoming our new Working Group members.

Deadline for Application Submission: 15 January 2025

For more details or help to submit your application, please contact: renaud.Vatrinet@pasteur.fr

Description of the Scientific Working Groups

1. Mother & Child Health

This SWG focuses on advancing research in maternal and child health. It aims to unify experts from diverse research domains to address key health challenges in mothers, infants, and children, including both communicable and non-communicable diseases.  

2. Vector-Borne Diseases Impacted by Climate Change

This SWG unites researchers focused on vector-borne diseases affected by climate change, emphasizing the changes in vector distribution, seasonality, and disease intensity due to warming temperatures and environmental shifts.

3. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

This SWG addresses the critical public health threat of antimicrobial resistance through strategic reflection, fostering enhanced collaboration, increased visibility, and capacity building. Its efforts range from AMR surveillance to comprehensive molecular studies of resistance mechanisms.

4. Research, Development & Innovation (R&D&I) on Vaccines

Focusing on vaccine research, development, and innovation, this SWG covers the entire vaccine development pipeline, from basic research to manufacturing and clinical trials.

5. Research, Development & Innovation (R&D&I) on Therapeutics

This SWG fosters strategic reflection on collaboration and capacity building to advance new therapeutic options for infectious diseases. It supports the entire continuum, from basic research through therapeutic manufacturing and clinical trials, with a particular focus on emerging infections and neglected diseases.

6. Research, Development & Innovation (R&D&I) on Diagnostics

This SWG fosters collaboration and capacity building to create and enhance diagnostic tools for detecting infectious diseases accurately and rapidly. The group will collaborate on initiatives to facilitate the development of accessible, reliable diagnostics, particularly for regions where disease burden is high, and resources are limited.

7. Science Equity

In line with the Pasteur Network’s pillar of equity, this SWG aims to promote fairness in research funding, visibility, and career development opportunities across all network members. It emphasizes equitable access to research resources, training, and recognition, ensuring that all members, especially those from underrepresented regions and early-career researchers, can fully participate and benefit from the network’s activities.

8. Epidemic Preparedness

Focused on enhancing epidemic preparedness, this SWG includes activities such as surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response planning, by integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines (e.g., virologists, epidemiologists, public health professionals, and data scientists) and the expertises of the members.

9. Ethics This SWG brings together experts in bioethics, legal frameworks, and public health ethics to address ethical challenges arising in infectious disease research and public health activities. It will also address emerging ethical concerns related to data sharing, biobanking, and international research collaboration.

At the opening ceremony of the Pasteur Network Annual Meeting, on October 21, 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Dr. Claire Sangba-Kembi-Ngounou, entomologist at the Institut Pasteur in Bangui (Central African Republic), receives the Talent Award. This distinction, funded since 2017 by Institut Pasteur, highlights young Pasteur Network researchers who have demonstrated scientific potential. For the first time, the award is in the Science & Communication category, recognizing researchers’ ability to disseminate their work to the general public.  

A career in the service of public health   

Claire Sangba-Kembi-Ngounou joined the medical entomology department at the Institut Pasteur in Bangui to begin her thesis in 2015. Today, she is a promising researcher in the field of entomology, having successfully secured funding from the Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust to support her innovative projects.  She plays a key role in the fight against malaria by studying the behavior of mosquitoes, particularly the Anopheles species, major vectors of the disease. Her work focuses on analyzing the genetic diversity and adaptability of malaria vectors, with direct implications for disease control in the Central African Republic. By understanding the genetic basis of mosquito behavior and resistance, her research contributes to the development of more effective vector control strategies. This could reduce malaria transmission rates and improve public health outcomes.  Her findings have been published in leading scientific journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).   

A bridge between science and public action   

In addition to her scientific activities, Dr. Sangba-Kembi is heavily involved in disseminating these results to all levels of society, earning her a dedicated article in the newspaper Le Monde, in the series “En Afrique, la science au féminin”. She has regular exchanges with the Ministry of Health of the Central African Republic on the development of policies to limit malaria transmission.  She will use part of the funding from this prize to organize an awareness-raising campaign in schools on changes in mosquito-biting behavior and their implications for the fight against malaria.  

Promoting scientific communication  

This 8th edition of the Talent Award is the first to reward a scientist who not only demonstrates a strong scientific commitment, but also an outstanding ability to communicate his or her research to a wider audience. The award supports initiatives that promote clear and open communication, essential for building trust between science and society. In times of crisis, such as pandemics, effective scientific communication directly influences public behavior and safety.  

“Encouraging scientific impact and communication”.  

In congratulating Dr. Sangba-Kembi-Ngounou, Odette Tomescu Hatto, Vice President of International Affairs at Institut Pasteur, points out: “The Talent Award today celebrates a scientist who embodies not only scientific excellence, but also the ability to translate her research into concrete action, accessible to all. Dr. Claire Sangba-Kembi-Ngounou demonstrates that scientific communication is a powerful lever for shaping the future of public health.”  

A total of twelve researchers have already received this award since its inception. The Talent Award 2024 marks a turning point in affirming that communication is an indispensable pillar for maximizing the impact of scientific research on society.  

To find out more, replay of the opening ceremony : https://www.youtube.com/live/4nvcIrt6IlQ

About the PNAM2024 : https://pasteur-network.org/news/en/pasteur-network-annual-meeting-2024-will-take-place-in-rio-de-janeiro-brazil/

The Pasteur Network Annual Meeting 2024 (PNAM), co-organized with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), is set to take place from October 21-23 in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This prestigious event will convene leaders and experts from across the Pasteur Network and beyond, offering a platform to tackle today’s most pressing global health challenges. Participants will engage in a rich programme of presentations, workshops, and discussions aimed at fostering collaboration and driving scientific innovation. With a focus on key topics such as epidemic preparedness, climate-sensitive diseases, and equity in health research, the PNAM 2024 promises to be a catalyst for advancing public health solutions worldwide. 

The meeting will address global health priorities, including climate change and its impact on infectious diseases like Dengue, epidemic preparedness for Mpox and Avian Influenza, as well as innovations in diagnostics, vaccine equity, therapeutics, gender and maternal health, and the role of AI in health research. These discussions align with the Pasteur Network’s strategic vision of reinforcing epidemic intelligence, promoting equitable collaborations, and fostering sustainable development in global health research. 

Opening Ceremony 

The opening ceremony will take place on Monday, October 21 at 6 PM (Rio de Janeiro UTC-3) and will be chaired by Mario Moreira, President of Fiocruz. It will feature remarks from key Brazilian officials, including Nisia Veronica Trindade Lima, Minister of Health of Brazil. Amadou Sall, President of the Pasteur Network & CEO of the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Rebecca Grais, Executive Director of the Pasteur Network, and Yasmine Belkaid, Vice-President of the Pasteur Network and President of the Institut Pasteur, will also deliver opening remarks. 

Keynote presentations will be given by global health leaders, including Peter Piot, Professor at The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and President of the PN Strategic Advisory Board, and Manoel Barral Netto from Fiocruz Bahia, who will share their insights on critical global health issues. 

At 7:15 PM, the Talent Awards ceremony will take place, celebrating outstanding contributions within the Pasteur Network. This year, the award, funded by the Institut Pasteur, will honor a scientist who has demonstrated both scientific excellence and a strong commitment to sharing the work with the wider public through communication and engagement initiatives. 

Follow the Live Streaming 

The opening ceremony will be available to stream live on YouTube: 

In English on the Pasteur Network channel

Engagement and Strategic Discussions 

Throughout the event, participants will take part in a series of roundtables and parallel sessions focusing on the Pasteur Network’s strategic priorities: (1) strengthening epidemic preparedness with a focus on climate-sensitive health issues; (2) advancing research and innovation in diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments; (3) building knowledge-sharing communities; and (4) promoting equitable and sustainable collaborations. 

The meeting will also provide a platform for scientists from across the Network to present their research, furthering the professional development objective of the PNAM. 

For more details about the event :

Consult the agenda

About the Pasteur Network  
The Pasteur Network is an alliance of over 30 institutes which plays a crucial role in tackling global health challenges through science, innovation and public health. Its distinctive strength lies in the diversity and extensive geographic reach, spanning 25 countries across 5 continents, fostering a dynamic community of knowledge and expertise.  
The Pasteur Network is recognized as a WHO non-state actor, and members of the network are frequently embedded into local Ministries of Health. The PN sustains a global infrastructure encompassing 50+ national and regional reference laboratories, which includes multiple Biosafety Level 3 Laboratories, and 17 WHO Collaborating Centers.  
For more information, consult the 2023 Pasteur Network report
Press contact: Juliette Hardy / news-pn@pasteur.fr  

About Fiocruz 
Fiocruz is the largest biomedical research institution in Latin America, also producing vaccines and medications to supply the Unified Health System (SUS). Linked to the Ministry of Health, it was established on May 25, 1900, to initially manufacture serums and vaccines against bubonic plague. Since then, the institution has undergone an intense trajectory that is intertwined with the development of public health in Brazil. Today, Fiocruz operates in 10 states, as well as the Federal District, and has an office in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, in Africa. In addition to its institutes based in Rio de Janeiro, it maintains units in the Northeast, North, Southeast, and South regions of Brazil. In total, there are 16 technical-scientific units focused on education, research, innovation, assistance, technological development, and outreach in the health sector. For more information, visit https://portal.fiocruz.br/en.

Press contact: Fiocruz / ccs@fiocruz.br 

On August 13 and 14, 2024, the Africa CDC and the WHO declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).  

As part of its ongoing commitment to science, innovation and global public health, the Pasteur Network, renowned for its expertise in infectious diseases and its extensive geographic reach, spanning 25 countries across 5 continents, is stepping up its efforts to combat the ongoing Mpox outbreak.  

Leveraging this global alliance of over 30 institutes, our multidisciplinary teams are at the forefront of research and response efforts to address this public health challenge, working tirelessly to enhance surveillance, improve diagnostics, and support the development of equitable access to treatments. 

Among Pasteur Network members, several institutes have developed expertise in Mpox surveillance, diagnosis and research during previous epidemics in the region. 

MPXV-infected human cells (green) among uninfected cells (blue nuclei). Confocal microscope image. Copyright : Institut Pasteur/Mathieu Hubert et Olivier Schwartz

Members of the Pasteur Network are are developping actions in many fields:

Surveillance and Diagnostics

  • Contribute to surveillances, particularly in high-transmission regions through diagnostic capabilities and training. 

Research and Development: 

  • Leveraging extensive expertise in virology for the detection and comprehension of transmission dynamics and supporting the development of medical countermeasures  

Collaboration 

  • Support equitable access to solutions targeting high-risk populations coordinating with local health authorities as expressed in the Rio Declaration signed by the Pasteur Network  
  • Partnering with global health organizations to support translating research to policy and  real-world solutions. 

As the world faces new challenges, the Pasteur Network remains dedicated to scientific excellence and collaboration, ensuring that we can address emerging threats with agility and effectiveness. 

Teaching and training are an essential part of the work of the Pasteur Network’s members. The Network’s international courses respond to research and public health priorities at the global and regional levels, providing top-level training to scientists at different stages of their scientific careers, and strengthening scientific relationships between scientists within the Network and with other institutions.

Applications are now open for the Pasteur Network members

Since 2012, the Pasteur Network has offered over a hundred theoretical and hands-on courses worldwide as part of its mission. The international courses and training workshops serve three primary objectives: 

  • Address global and regional research and public health priorities. 
  • Offer high-quality training to scientists at different stages of their scientific career. 
  • Strengthen scientific relationships between scientists within the Pasteur Network and with other institutions. 

Aligned with the Pasteur Network’s mission, the courses and training workshops are open to post-graduate students and young scientists from the Network and any other research institutions (universities, public health agencies, governmental organisations, etc.) from the host country and national institutions. 

Submission of proposals, deadline: 6th of December 2024 

Applicants are requested to submit their course online on Flexigrant. 

Follow this link:  https://calls.pasteur-network.org/startapplication.aspx?id=13738 

Evaluation by the selection panel, deadline: December 2024 

The proposals will be reviewed by an internal panel of experts.  

Communication of results: December 2024 

Selection criteria  

To be considered for selection, courses must meet the following criteria: 

  • Quality: The course must be well-organized and cover relevant and high-quality topics. The team of teachers/instructors should be experienced and knowledgeable in the subject matter. A clear Monitoring and Evaluation plan should be outlined and Learning objectives listed.  
  • Relevance: Only courses that fall within the priority strategic axes of the Pasteur Network will be considered. These axes include reinforcing i) epidemic intelligence and preparedness and Climate and Health , ii) research, development and innovation in critical diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics, iii) creating multi-disciplinary knowledge communities, and iv) promoting equitable collaboration. All scientific subjects are eligible within the strategic axes although priority is given to those listed in the Pasteur Network scientific strategy. 
  • Preference for network institutes: Priority will be given to courses conducted within and by a member institute of the Pasteur Network. 
  • Partner institutions: Priority will be given to courses associating with partner institutions. 
  • Involvement of local trainers/speakers: Local trainers/speakers must be involved in the course.  
  • Target audience: The course should be aimed at scientists, engineers, and senior technicians. Priority will be given to candidates from the Pasteur Network (at least 50%) and external candidates, all of whom are selected based on their merits. 
  • Innovative education tools: The use of innovative education tools is strongly encouraged and will be viewed positively during the selection process. Online or other digital tools can be used to enhance the course experience (virtual augmented reality, gamification, Collaborative Learning Management Systems (LMS,), etc.) 
  • Timing: The course must be completed before December 20th, 2025 
  • Max. financial support: 50,000€ 

Funding criteria 

  • Funding for the course must be justified and in line with the format submitted.  
  • The Pasteur Network will provide a maximum of 80% of the total budget of the course. Applicants are encouraged to supplement their budget through external fundraising. 

Payment of the funds 

  • 85% of the awarded funding will be sent by wire transfer to the organizing institute, after reception of the invoice, 3 to 4 months before the course. 
  • 15% will be transferred after reception of the course full report (see course report section). 

Eligible expenses  

Eligible expenses for funding are: 

  • Consumables 
  • Travel expenses 
  • Hotel costs 
  • Catering 
  • Communication fees 
  • Local transport cost  

Non-eligible expenses 

Non-eligible expenses for funding are: 

  • Overheads or indirect costs 
  • Payments to teachers/instructors and students (incl. per diem) 
  • Equipment 
  • Rental (of premises) in an Institute of the Network. 

By “ineligible expenses” we mean that the cited items will not be considered as direct expenses on Pasteur Network funding. The in-kind participation of the receiving Institute may be valued as co-funding.  Should the applicant have any questions or doubt about other direct costs, Pasteur Network should be contacted for clearance. 

Courses report 

A technical and financial report shall be sent one month after the end of the course. The transfer of the remaining 15% of the awarded funds by Pasteur Network is subject to the reception of the full report. 

Reimbursement 

In case the overall awarded funds by Pasteur Network have not been used; the remaining funds will have to be reimbursed to Pasteur Network. 

Contact 

Any questions can be addressed to Renaud Vatrinet at renaud.vatrinet@pasteur.fr 

On Monday, June 17th, in Paris, the Pasteur Network and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster their collaboration in global health initiatives. This agreement marks a significant step towards addressing infectious diseases and improving public health worldwide.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation between the two organizations, focusing on several critical areas:

  • Vaccine R&D Ecosystem: Strengthening vaccine research and development, particularly in the global South. This includes regional manufacturing of vaccines and enhancing public health responses to epidemic and pandemic emergencies.
  • Training and Education: Supporting joint training and educational activities to build capacity and expertise in vaccine research and development.
  • Collaborative Projects: Actively pursuing funding opportunities and developing joint proposals for research and training programs.

Rebecca F. Grais, Executive Director of the Pasteur Network, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “By combining our strengths and resources, we aim to accelerate vaccine development and improve accessibility, particularly in underserved regions. This collaboration is a crucial step towards our shared vision of a healthier world.”

Jerome H. Kim, Director General of IVI, echoed this sentiment: ‘Signing this MoU with the Pasteur Network will empower us to leverage our collective expertise and amplify our efforts in combating infectious diseases worldwide. This collaboration will support IVI’s capabilities in vaccine research and development, enabling us to tackle health challenges more effectively. Together, we will generate synergies to drive innovation of life-saving vaccines for the populations who need them most.’

The partnership will be guided by a Steering Committee, ensuring regular reviews and progress on collaborative projects. Both parties have committed to clear communication, transparency, and adherence to policies on anti-fraud, corruption, equity, and sustainability.

This MoU represents a strategic alignment of resources and expertise, setting the stage for innovative solutions to global health challenges. Together, the Pasteur Network and IVI are poised to make a lasting impact on global health, particularly in regions that are most vulnerable to infectious diseases.

About the Pasteur Network:
The Pasteur Network is an alliance of over 30 institutes which plays a crucial role in tackling global health challenges through science, innovation and public health. Its distinctive strength lies in the diversity and extensive geographic reach, spanning 25 countries across 5 continents, fostering a dynamic community of knowledge and expertise.

The Pasteur Network is recognized as a WHO non-state actor, and members of the network are frequently embedded into local Ministries of Health. The PN sustains a global infrastructure encompassing 50+ national and regional reference laboratories, which includes multiple Biosafety Level 3 Laboratories, and 17 WHO Collaborating Centers.

The Pasteur Network’s work is guided by four strategic pillars: 1) Epidemic Preparedness, Intelligence, with focus on Climate sensitive diseases, 2) Research, Development, and Innovation, 3) Knowledge Communities, and 4) Good Governance and Equity.

Pasteur-network.org

About IVI:
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) is a non-profit international organization established in 1997 at the initiative of the United Nations Development Program with a mission to discover, develop, and deliver safe, effective, and affordable vaccines for global health.

IVI’s current portfolio includes vaccines at all stages of pre-clinical and clinical development for infectious diseases that disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries, such as cholera, typhoid, chikungunya, shigella, salmonella, schistosomiasis, hepatitis E, HPV, COVID-19, and more.

IVI developed the world’s first low-cost oral cholera vaccine, pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (WHO), and developed a new-generation typhoid conjugate vaccine that also achieved WHO prequalification in early 2024.

IVI is headquartered in Seoul, Republic of Korea, with a Europe Regional Office in Sweden, an Africa Regional Office in Rwanda, a Country Office in Austria, and a Country and Project Office in Kenya. IVI additionally co-founded the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute in Hong Kong and hosts Collaborating Centers in Ghana, Ethiopia, and Madagascar. Forty one countries and the WHO are members of IVI, and the governments of the Republic of Korea, Sweden, India, Finland, and Thailand provide state funding.

https://www.ivi.int.

Launch of a Climate-Health Observatory Accelerator program during the Pasteur Network Climate and Health Convening
(Dakar, June 4-5, 2024)

On June 4-5 in Dakar Senegal, 60+ participants, including members of the Pasteur Network and external experts met to discuss how the Pasteur Network can help address the growing impact of climate change on global health, fostering collaborative research and innovative solutions to mitigate emerging health threats and improve public health resilience

The event was supported by The Rockefeller Foundation and the HKJC Institute of Philanthropy who are funding the Pasteur Network’s new Climate-Health Observatory Accelerator program which aims to:

  1. Create foundations for C-H observatories through global network of Fellows.
    This fellowship program is a unique opportunity designed for members in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to empower researchers to provide support to local stakeholders in making informed decisions with regards to climate and health.
  2. Advance generalizable tools and practices through Pasteur Network Exemplars
    Exemplar members of the Pasteur Network will share their knowledge and expertise in climate and health and help to guide the fellowship cohort in their region
  3. Scale impact through shared knowledge via Global Goods and an internal knowledge sharing platform. The 2-day event in Dakar focused on the Accelerator project in more detail, including break-out discussion sessions specifically on the fellowship program design and development of global goods.

Global experts also presented and facilitated discussion on various topics such as updates on the progress of the Pandemic Treaty (Dr. Maria de Lourdes Aguiar Oliveira from FioCruz), important trends and considerations for integrating climate aspects into health surveillance efforts (Dr. Linda Venczel from PATH), connecting climate-health recommendations with policy and investment decisions for government stakeholders (Mr. Jackson Kimani from Climate Action Platform for Africa-CAP-A), showcase of the WHO HIVE collaboration platform (Mr. Brian Yau from WHO), and a round table discussion on the development and dissemination of global goods (Dr. Cristina Tato from Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Mr. Gaurav Godhwani from Civic Data Lab, and Dr. Felipe Colón-González from Wellcome Trust)

The convening was also an important celebration of Institut Pasteur de Dakar’s 100th anniversary, including a tour of the institute and a celebration cocktail. Celebrating IP Dakar’s 100th anniversary marks a century of pioneering research, innovation, and contributions to global health, reinforcing its vital role in combating infectious diseases and improving public health worldwide The Pasteur Network extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Rockefeller Foundation and the Institute of Philanthropy for their generous support, which made the meeting in Dakar on June 4-5th possible. We also wish to thank all the participants for their invaluable contributions and engagement, which were instrumental in advancing our discussions on the critical intersection of climate and health.

Following the January 2024 elections, the Pasteur Network welcomes the members of its new Board, comprising both newly elected and re-elected regional representatives alongside two externally nominated members.

The Board will steer the direction of our association over the next two years and is composed as follows:

President:
  • Amadou A. Sall, Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Vice-President:
  • Yasmine Belkaid, Institut Pasteur

Africa

  • Amadou A. Sall, Institut Pasteur de Dakar (President)
  • Noël Tordo, Institut Pasteur de Guinée

Americas

  • Carlos Batthyány, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo
  • Mario Moreira, Fondation Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz)  

Asia-Pacific

  • Leo Poon, HKU – Pasteur Research Pole
  • Philippe Buchy, Institut Pasteur du Laos  

Euro-Mediterranean

  • Christian Léonard, Sciensano
  • Abderrahmane Maaroufi, Institut Pasteur du Maroc

External Members:

  • Isabella OYIER, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust.
  • Linda VENCZEL, PATH.

To have more information about the governance, please visit the association’s governance page.