BRIGHT NETWORK ANNUAL MEETING 2024 – CATALYZING INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIP

Wed, Nov 27 2024 08:39 times


Bringing Research to Impact for Global Health at Tsinghua (BRIGHT) Network held our 2024 Annual Meeting on November 4th in Beijing, China. The meeting was a culmination of the collaborative efforts of BRIGHT Network members, global health partners, and Vanke School of Public Health (VSPH), Tsinghua University to develop innovative solutions to challenges in global health.

The meeting featured welcome address with the Founding Dean of VSPH and Emeritus Director General of World Health Organization, Dr. Margaret Chan; the presentation of new data, novel methods, implementing challenges, and progress from 10 BRIGHT project Principal Investigators (PIs) from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia; and panels discussing key issues during the conduct of public health research in developing countries.


Opening Remarks Featuring Dr. Margaret Chan



Opening the BRIGHT Network Annual Meeting 2024, Dr. Margaret Chan called for decisive action to unite for finding high-impact solutions to the most pressing global health challenges, warning that global progress is alarmingly insufficient to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Chan declared that VSPH is deeply committed to supporting international collaborative research that benefits individuals, communities, and the broader population, and BRIGHT network is uniquely placed to be able to bring the investigators from developing countries together based on a foundation of mutual trust and respect between individuals, organizations, and nations.

Dr. Chan urged BRIGHT network members to maintain a firm commitment to their objectives, acquire a clear understanding of their capabilities, and therefore position themselves precisely. She expressed hope for greater efforts to address global health crises, and make significant strides towards the goal of leaving no one behind.

Dr. Chan together with Professor Cheng Feng, Assistant Dean of VSPH, Vice Dean of Tsinghua Institute for Healthy China, and the PI of the BRIGHT Network, presented the “ BRIGHT Partner” badges to the 2024 BRIGHT project implementing institutions.


Kenyatta University, Kenya

Busitema University, Uganda

Debre Markos University, Ethiopia

Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia

 

Progress Reports from BRIGHT Project PIs


BRIGHT Network Annual Meeting offers an opportunity for BRIGHT Network members to gather, to report on successes, to share best practice, to connect with international community of global health, and to campaign for improved resources.


Dr. Andrea Kifyasi

University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Pro. Tammary Rotich

Amref International University, Kenya

Dr. Anselm Moshi

Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre, Tanzania

Dr. Omar Juma

Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania

Dr. Peter Karoli

National Institute for Medical Research, Tanzania

Dr. Francisca Ongecha

Kenyatta University, Kenya

Dr. Samuel Baker Obakiro

Busitema University, Uganda

Dr. Tesfanesh Lemma

Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia

Dr. Melese Linger

Debre Markos University, Ethiopia

Dr. Andrew Marvin Kanyike

Busitema University, Uganda


Discussions on Meeting the Unique Challenges of Conducting Public Health Research in Developing Countries


The BRIGHT project presentations set the stage for the panel discussion by outlining considerations for conducting public health research according to the highest scientific and ethical standards. The panel was moderated by Professor Cheng Feng with panelists, Jin Pingyue, Senior Editor of Lancet Group, Beijing/China, Na Muzi, Associate Professor of Pennsylvania State University, Gao Liangmin, Assistant Professor of Institute for International and Area Studies, Tsinghua University, Elizabeth Shayo, Principal Research Scientist, Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research, Tang Kun, Zhao Ai, Li Zhihui, Associate Professors of VSPH, and Li Guanqiao, Assistant Professor of VSPH.



Professor Cheng Feng concluded the meeting by highlighting the significance of BRIGHT Network in supporting researchers from other developing countries for better understanding of China's engagement in global health, and called on BRIGHT Network members to work together to contribute to tackling public health challenges in China, Africa, and globally.