Defining research needs for major infectious diseases in Ethiopia and South Sudan

Ethiopia and South Sudan are among the least developed countries in the world. The prevalence and incidence of TB in Ethiopia is estimated at 258/100 000 and 237/100 000 population, respectively. The incidence of TB in South Sudan (population ~8 mill) is estimated at 140/100000 population. Research needs to be strengthened to guide ongoing control programmes. TB related research in South Sudan is very limited and the epidemiology of TB is not well understood. There are only a limited number of studies on the recent etiology of bacterial meningitis in Ethiopia, and even fewer from South Sudan. Epidemiological studies studying the prevalence and causative organisms of bacterial meningitis are warranted in relation to vaccine implementation. The project part ners share a common goal of improving public health and decreasing health inequities contributing to the UN MDGs in the field of infectious disease prevention and control. Epidemiological studies, combined with infectious disease diagnostic laboratory exp ertise, are one key area of interest. In aproposed 3-day seminar, we will address the recent advances in the field of TB and bacterial meningitis epidemiology, diagnostics and prevention, and update on on-going collaborative research projects. Ten persons will be trained in a follow-up laboratory training session on TB and meningitis. Secondly, the country specific situation on TB and meningitis in Ethiopia and South Sudan will be in focus. Thirdly, the seminar will address national challenges in infectio us disease control and prevention related to MDG4,5,6 followed by a discussion on research priorities, and potential new areas of collaboration. Defining new areas of research will be done with advice from the MOHs, by joint interest and in accordance wit h complementary expertise of collaborating institutions. Partners from Ethiopia and South Sudan will be joined by Norwegian and international research expertise working in the field.