Project results to date and the findings of the evaluation missions carried out in the four candidate countries of the network (Benin, Guinea, Niger and Togo) were presented to stakeholders attending the meeting. There was also a discussion of recommendations for the future inter-country program, RESAOLAB+.
The importance of strengthening the laboratory system in West Africa was emphasized by the 70 or so participants at the meeting, representing the ministries of health of the seven RESAOLAB countries, national programs (CCM), the West African Health Organization, World Health Organization, UEMOA, AFD, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France Expertise Internationale, Islamic Development Bank, the World Bank, Monaco’s Department of International Cooperation, Global Fund, Mérieux Foundation and other operational partners.
Attendees complimented the RESAOLAB project stakeholders for their considerable achievements and committed to a partnership for RESAOLAB+. This program will include several independent projects supported by strong synergies. It will be finalized in the coming months and approved in Spring 2013 during a conference in West Africa.
This event took place as part of an expert mission led by the Mérieux Foundation and co-funded by Canal 1 of the 5% Initiative Global Fund.