The West African Policy Dialogue on Pandemic Preparedness
The Biennial West African Policy Dialogue on Pandemic Preparedness is a high-level, in-person knowledge-exchange forum convened by the German–West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC) in Ghana. It brings together senior representatives of West African ministries of health, national public health institutes, researchers, practitioners, G-WAC doctoral researchers and alumni, and regional and international cooperation partners, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, the Robert Koch Institute and the Ghana Ministry of Health.
Bridging science and policy
The Policy Dialogues aim to bridge the gap between research and policymaking in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. They provide a platform for policymakers and researchers to share national and regional experiences, identify priority evidence needs, present and jointly interpret research findings, and explore their implications for policy and implementation.
Held in a neutral and confidential setting under the Chatham House Rule, the dialogues encourage open, non-prescriptive and implementation-oriented discussions. By bringing together different forms of expertise and experience, they seek to foster mutual understanding and trust, identify policy gaps and feasible responses, and strengthen capabilities for better data, better analytics and better decisions in West Africa.
Building a sustained regional dialogue
The first G-WAC Policy Dialogue was held in Accra in 2022, followed by the second dialogue in Aburi in 2024. The latter brought together policymakers and researchers from seven West African countries to discuss how data generation, integration and use could be strengthened for pandemic preparedness. Its discussions and recommendations are documented in the open-access meeting report, “West African Policy Dialogue—impulse for better data: progress towards better analytics and better decisions”.
Building on these experiences, G-WAC is expanding the dialogue to additional West African stakeholders and developing a more sustained policy-engagement structure. Close collaboration with national, regional and international partners will help ensure that the dialogues respond to policy priorities, connect research with implementation and contribute to stronger and more resilient systems for pandemic preparedness across the region.
