Benguela, Angola, July 9, 2024 — The World Health Organization (WHO) and the University of Katyavala Bwila (UKB) have marked a significant milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance health research, capacity-building activities, and strategic decision-making through improved information sharing. This collaboration aims to support the government in fostering innovative health solutions and evidence-based interventions to improve health outcomes across Benguela and Angola, ultimately striving for universal health coverage.
The signing ceremony at UKB was attended by prominent figures, including the Vice Governor of Benguela, Adilson Dellany Martins Gonçalves, and the Administrator of Catumbela, José Ferreira. The event was led by UKB Rector, Professor Albano Vicente Lopes Ferreira, and WHO Representative, Dr. Zabulon Yoti, underscoring the high level of commitment from both institutions.
Dr. Yoti highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership: “This collaboration between WHO and Katyavala Bwila University is not just about advancing health research; it’s about creating a sustainable framework that integrates educational excellence to develop practical solutions tailored to the needs of Angola’s health sector.”
Rector Albano Ferreira emphasized that the MoU aligns with UKB’s strategic objectives from 2022 to 2027, aiming to create an academic environment conducive to practical learning and engage the university in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
This collaboration prioritizes advancing health research with innovative, evidence-based interventions, enhancing the skills of health professionals, students, and community members through capacity-building activities, and improving data flow between UKB and WHO for better decision-making and planning. These efforts are in line with Angola’s health sector development plan and its national development plan.
Notably, this partnership marks WHO’s first formal collaboration with a university outside Luanda and is the third MoU WHO has signed with academic institutions in Angola. It underscores WHO’s commitment to enhancing health education and research and promoting multisector collaboration for sustainable, context-specific scientific interventions.
The MoU signing coincides with UKB’s selection as a Country Connector for Research4Life, introducing Angola to an exclusive group of 11 Country Connectors worldwide. This status will grant Angola access to a broad spectrum of academic and professional peer-reviewed content, significantly benefiting health research and education.
Following the MoU signing, WHO representatives toured UKB’s facilities and visited the “Jango Comunitário” project near the university, launched in April 2024 with WHO support. This initiative demonstrates the practical application of the MoU’s objectives, focusing on health promotion and community engagement in collaboration with local and provincial government bodies.
Today’s MoU signing highlights the robust partnerships supporting the government’s efforts to enhance Angola’s health sector, ensuring a collaborative approach to achieving better health outcomes.
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