ANGOLA — The World Health Organization (WHO), has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Private University of Angola (UPRA) aimed at fostering health research, promoting information sharing, and conducting health activities to improve health outcomes in Angola.
The signing of thes accord marks a vital step in reinforcing WHO’s collaborative efforts with academic institutions in Angola.
It aligns with WHO’s General Work Programme 13, which seeks to strengthen health systems and research.
The MoU recognises the need to have academic institutions as critical stakeholders in building and using evidence to inform decision-making in health.
According to Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO’s Interim Representative in Angola, “By enhancing our collaboration with academic intuitions, we can leverage their research capabilities and knowledge base to improve the strategic use of health information and investment in supporting the health agenda in Angola.”
Dr Karamagi added that the memorandum would allow for the strengthening of health research, knowledge exchange, and enhance the dialogue on health in Angola.
In this context, the MoU with UPRA will promote health research, implementation of joint research projects, information and knowledge sharing, and support training and research programs in health that enhance the promotion and adoption of good practices, ensuring Health for All.
For the Magnificent Rector of UPRA, Professor Dr Silvana Rocha da Silveira, the partnership between UPRA and WHO is an enriching synergy that will enhance academic training, nurturing future health professionals with up-to-date knowledge and practical experiences.
“This initiative offers us a light in strengthening the training of health professionals, preparing them for global challenges and enabling them to contribute significantly to advancing society towards more equitable and resilient health,“ Dr. Rocha da Silveira added.
WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work, 2019-2025
In 1949, during the Second World Health Assembly, the WHO defined one of its fundamental priorities as assistance, coordination, and utilisation of activities of existing institutions at the country level to promote health research.
Since then, several agreements have been signed with academic institutions to strengthen institutional capacity in countries and regions and implement the WHO mandate.
In addition to signing Memorandums with educational institutions, the WHO has access to more than 800 collaborating centres in over 80 Member States, working with the organisation in areas such as nursing, occupational health, communicable diseases, nutrition, mental health, chronic diseases, and health technologies.
In 2018, the World Health Assembly adopted an ambitious General Programme of Work.
The GPW 13 and the “triple billion” targets set out a bold vision for delivering a measurable impact in countries, and supporting countries on the road to the Sustainable Development Goals.
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