Strengthening Women's Research Networks and Capacity to Address Women's Health in Sub-Saharan Africa

Esnat Chirwa of the South African Medical Research Council in South Africa will strengthen modeling and data science capacities by incorporating training and networking approaches, particularly for female researchers in Malawi and South Africa. The rising disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa has resulted in the generation of many large, complex datasets; although these provide rich research resources, local analytical capabilities are limited. They will increase the number of female modelers and statisticians by providing financial support to seven female Biostatistics and Statistics master’s students, who will be mentored by their team, and a series of free, short in-person and online advanced statistics courses to over 90 more female researchers. They will also build networks between female researchers to facilitate collaborations on defined topics, including identifying the mechanisms driving women’s health outcomes in Southern Africa and the long-term impact of rape on mental health.