In response to initial collaborations built between Institut Pasteur de Madagascar (IPM) and the ALERRT WP5 team, and a successful capacity building workshop hosted in July 2018 in Madagascar, a subsequent Twinning and Mentoring opportunity was idenitified. The IPM team were keen to the strengthen the Health and Demographic Surveillance System and related tools for improving public health in Madagascar.

..................................................................................................................................................... April 2019

This twinning initiative was proposed and actioned between IPM and KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Kilifi. Two nominated members of the Madagascan team visited KEMRI-WT from 8th - 20th April 2019, to understand more about the set-up and operation of the Kilifi Demographic Surveillance System (DSS). Please read the full report which details the objectives and experiences of this first visit.

................................................ September 2019

To advance and apply this learning experience, from 29th September – 5th October 2019, two staff (including a data manager and an epidemiologist) from KEMRI-WT made a reciprocal visit to IPM to provide technical support in restructuring their fieldwork database and preparation for the next epidemiological survey in Moramanga study sites. Please read the full report for details of objectives and achievements made by both collaborating teams as part of this visit. 

The relationship between IPM and KEMRI-Wellcome Trust laid the principal foundations for the Twinning and Mentorship Programme across the ALERRT network, demonstrating and emphasising the value of South-South Collaboration.