Dr. Demart Sarah, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels (Belgium)

Pr. Bepouka Ben, University of Kinshasa, Kinsahsa (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Dr. Tawaba Dieudonne, University of Kinshasa, Kinsahsa (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Impact of reduced US funding on the HIV response among refugees, displaced persons, and returnees: what challenges for sustainability and preparedness for future viral epidemics? The case of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

This tandem talk explores new avenues to face the challenge of US fundings withraw from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is based on a strong collaboration between the infectious and tropical diseases department of the Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN) and the Observatory of aids and sexuality from the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB). From an interdisciplinary research protocol joining together medical sciences (UNIKIN) and humanities and social sciences (ULB), our KinPrEP project (2023-25, ARES funding) has explored the missed opportunities of PrEP within migration. Among them the fact that prevention programs are poorly available for refugees, displaced persons, and returnees. The Eastern part of the (DRC) faces chronic instability marked by armed conflict which engenders not only mass displacement but also weaken health structures. Furthermore HIV prevention’s interventions rely heavily on funding from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID. The announced reduction in this funding jeopardizes the continuity of testing, treatment, and prevention services in humanitarian areas. To mitigate these risks, it is urgent to reflect on approaches enabling us to preserve the gains made in the fight against HIV and strengthen health preparedness in fragile cross-border areas. From our findings, will discuss the possibilities for operationalizing four areas of action: (1) integrate new-generation diagnostic tools (4th generation rapid tests, portable GeneXpert platforms, m-PIMA) to ensure decentralized screening that can be adapted to other viral epidemics; (2) further decentralize care through self-support groups (SSGs); (3) strengthen the community leadership of refugee associations in awareness-raising and monitoring; and (4) diversify funding sources by mobilizing local, private, and humanitarian partners.

Pr. Guerra Susanna,  Autonoma University of Madrid, Madrid (Spain)

Molecular and immunological mechanisms of monkeypox virus in African strains: Mozambique–Europe collaboration to strengthen diagnostic and research capacity

This Mozambique–Europe collaboration connects virology and parasitology research from Dr. Susana Guerra and Dr. María Irisarri at the Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), with the applied needs of Mozambique’s health system. It strengthens the Biotechnology Center at Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM) and builds local scientific capacity through collaboration with Prof. Emilia Virginia Noormahomed and Dr. Lucilda de De Araújo, PhD, DVM, an expert in zoonotic diseases and molecular diagnosis. My contribution focuses specifically on monkeypox virus (MPXV), addressing its surveillance, molecular characterization, and diagnostic implementation in Mozambique. MPXV is an emerging zoonotic virus with major public health relevance. The project aims to characterize the genetic diversity and virus-host interaction mechanisms of African MPXV strains. Key objectives include sequencing local strains to detect mutations affecting virulence and transmissibility, assessing viral replication and antiviral susceptibility in cell models, and studying immune responses using in vitro systems and patient samples. Standardized molecular diagnostic protocols will be implemented at UEM, with training for local researchers. The methodology includes clinical sample collection in Mozambican hospitals under approved ethical protocols, genomic sequencing and bioinformatics at UEM, and virology studies in partner labs at UAM. Capacity-building activities involve workshops (on-site and virtual) and short-term research stays for UEM students and staff. Expected outcomes include a genomic repository of MPXV strains circulating in Mozambique, implementation of validated diagnostic protocols, joint publications in international journals, and the training of early-career Mozambican scientists. The project aims to establish a sustainable Mozambique–Europe research network for MPXV. Potential funders include the Wellcome Trust, Horizon Europe, NIH Fogarty International Center, and Africa CDC. This initiative strengthens local infrastructure and human capital, linking advanced research with public health needs to ensure long-term self-sufficiency in MPXV surveillance across Southern Africa.

Pr. Noormahomed Emilia, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo (Mozambic)

Dr. De Araujo Lucinda,  Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo (Mozambic)

Towards a joint African–European project on MPX, enteric parasites and molecular epidemiology

Emerging and re-emerging infections, such as monkeypox (MPX) and enteric parasitic diseases, represent urgent challenges for both Africa and Europe, particularly among immunocompromised populations. While MPX has recently gained international attention due to outbreaks beyond endemic regions, intestinal parasites continue to cause significant morbidity, especially in low-resource settings. Despite their biological differences, MPX and enteric parasites share common determinants, including poverty, population mobility, and limited access to healthcare. Understanding these pathogens requires molecular epidemiology approaches to track transmission, characterize genetic diversity, and explore potential links with nutritional and immune status. This proposal seeks to establish a joint African–European research initiative with three main objectives: 1. Molecular epidemiology: Genomic and subtype characterization of MPX and enteric parasites in African and European populations, with a focus on immunocompromised individuals. 2. Comparative research: Investigating similarities and differences in the transmission dynamics of viral and parasitic pathogens under conditions of vulnerability. 3. Capacity building: Facilitating the exchange of expertise between African institutions (field epidemiology, surveillance, community health) and European partners (molecular tools, sequencing, bioinformatics). By linking complementary expertise, this initiative aims to create new collaborative networks and establish a platform for joint funding applications. Ultimately, the project will enhance understanding of high-impact pathogens at the Africa–Europe interface and promote sustainable research and educational collaborations.

Phd student Santirocchi Alessandro, University Sapienza of Rome, Roma (Italy)

Beyond disinformation: understanding vaccine hesitancy across contexts

Understanding vaccination intention requires integrating psychological and structural determinants. Evidence from Italy has shown that trust in science and institutions, fear of COVID-19, and prosocial motivations increase willingness to vaccinate, whereas belief in misinformation, conspiracy theories and extremist political ideology significantly reduce it (Santirocchi et al., 2022; 2023). These findings highlight the dual impact of individual dispositions and information environments on health behaviours. Extending this line of research, Santirocchi and colleagues (2025, in review) examined predictors of vaccination intention in India. Results suggest that prosociality and socio-economic conditions were stronger predictors of vaccination willingness, indicating that structural vulnerabilities can interact with psychological predispositions in shaping protective behaviours. In African contexts, additional challenges emerge. Beyond the erosion of confidence due to misinformation, populations often face limited access to vaccines and fragile health infrastructures. The Three Cs model (WHO SAGE) is therefore particularly relevant: while misinformation reduces confidence, barriers of convenience such as geographical distance, availability, and cost amplify inequities in uptake. Recent studies confirm that vaccine-related misinformation is widespread in African settings, especially rural areas, where it interacts with access difficulties to further weaken campaign effectiveness (Kuatewo et al., 2025; Songo et al., 2025). Similar patterns emerged in past epidemics: in Ghana, Ebola was framed as spiritual or supernatural (Adongo et al., 2016), while in Malawi, cultural narratives infused with apocalyptic symbolism reinforced COVID-19 vaccine mistrust (Kainja et al., 2024). This panel will compare evidence from Italy, India, and Africa to examine the universality versus context-specificity of vaccination predictors. A particular focus will be on misinformation: while Europe has developed digital literacy and prebunking tools, the panel will explore whether and how such strategies can be adapted to the African context, where access, narratives, and trust dynamics differ.

Dr.  Huseein EL Kout Naeema Ahmad Ramadan, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa)

 Integrating Rehabilitation and Disability Inclusion into Pandemic Preparedness: Towards Equitable Global Health Systems

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed critical inequities in global health preparedness, particularly for persons with disabilities and those requiring ongoing rehabilitation. While international frameworks such as the International Health Regulations (IHR) and Joint External Evaluations (JEE) have advanced surveillance and emergency response, they continue to overlook rehabilitation as an essential health service. This gap perpetuates exclusion and limits recovery capacity, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This tandem presentation by Dr. Naeema Ahmad Ramadan Hussein El Kout (University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa) and Prof. Antoni Plasència (ISGlobal, University of Barcelona, Spain) explores how disability-inclusive rehabilitation can strengthen pandemic preparedness and response within African and European health systems. Drawing on findings from our joint comparative analysis of international monitoring and evaluation frameworks, we highlight how the absence of rehabilitation indicators undermines resilience and equity during health crises. The talk integrates perspectives from health policy, rehabilitation science, and implementation research to propose a new conceptual model for “Inclusive Pandemic Preparedness.” This model embeds rehabilitation and disability considerations across prevention, response, and recovery phases—aligning with the principles of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through case studies from South Africa and Spain, we demonstrate the potential for cross-regional learning, data-sharing, and co-creation of adaptable policy tools. Our collaboration underscores the CIVIS mission to advance joint solutions for joint challenges through equitable partnerships between Africa and Europe. We will conclude with actionable recommendations, including: Integrating rehabilitation and disability metrics into preparedness assessments; Building interdisciplinary training modules for global health professionals; and Establishing an Africa–Europe CIVIS research network on Rehabilitation in Health Emergencies. By bridging policy, science, and practice, this presentation aims to reposition rehabilitation not as a post-crisis afterthought but as a foundational component of resilient, inclusive global health systems.

Dr. Kamtsap Pierre, University of Tübingen, Tubingen (Germany)

Uncovering Hidden Vectors: Molecular Evidence of Non-damnosum Black Flies as Potential Onchocerciasis and Other Pathogen Transmitters.

Despite the long-standing focus on Simulium damnosum complex as the primary vector of onchocerciasis in sub-Saharan Africa, emerging evidence suggests that other black fly species may also contribute to disease transmission. This tandem talk presents a joint African-European investigation into the overlooked biodiversity of non-damnosum Simulium species in Cameroon, applying both classical morphology and molecular tools to redefine our understanding of potential vectors. We collected over 1,100 black fly pupae across 13 ecologically diverse locations in Cameroon. Using nuclear ITS2 and mitochondrial Cox1 gene sequencing, we identified 19 species—including two previously undescribed taxa and the first molecular confirmation of Simulium vorax and Simulium dentulosum in Cameroon. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high intra- and inter-specific diversity and pointed to strong geographical clustering, especially for S. cervicornutum and S. katangae, which may harbor cryptic species. Notably, S. vorax—a confirmed vector in the DRC—was found in northern Cameroon, reinforcing its potential vectorial role. This study demonstrates the critical need to go beyond morphology-based identifications in vector surveillance, particularly in areas targeted for onchocerciasis elimination. Our findings highlight the risk of underestimating the contribution of non-damnosum black flies to pathogen transmission and call for broader molecular screening and ecological monitoring. Through the lens of African-European research cooperation, this work exemplifies how combining field entomology with molecular biology can provide actionable insights for vector control programs. It also underlines the importance of capacity-building, data sharing, and genomic infrastructure across continents to support health equity and disease elimination.

Pr. Estrada Edoardo, University of Madrid Autonoma, Madrid (Spain)

Smart Sampling for Better Science: Cutting-edge Strategies for Designing and Analyzing Longitudinal Panel Data

Building trust in science and effectively combating health misinformation requires robust evidence on how attitudes and behaviors evolve over time. Longitudinal panel studies, which repeatedly collect data from the same individuals across multiple time points, are essential for understanding these dynamics, particularly in areas such as vaccine confidence, nutrition beliefs, and acceptance of evidence-based medicine. However, designing these studies poses critical challenges: when and how often should data be collected to capture meaningful change without overburdening participants or resources? This presentation introduces innovative sampling strategies and statistical modeling approaches that enhance the quality and interpretability of longitudinal research. We evaluate the performance of continuous-time Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Models (CT-RI-CLPM) using a Monte Carlo simulation based on previous empirical studies. Our findings demonstrate that thoughtful decisions about measurement intervals and sampling schedules can significantly improve model accuracy—often more than simply increasing sample size or the number of measurement waves. We introduce a novel type of sampling design: the Short-and-Long Lags schedule (SHALL), which combines frequent and infrequent measurements. Based on our findings, we offer actionable recommendations and open-source tools for researchers planning studies on psychological, educational, and health-related variables. By improving study design, we enable more reliable insights into how such phenomena change over time, while ensuring efficient use of research resources and reducing unnecessary costs. These advances create fertile ground for international collaboration. At this Forum, we aim to explore partnerships with African colleagues to co-develop shared protocols, coordinate joint data collection, and implement harmonized analytic frameworks. Such collaborations can accelerate African-European efforts to understand and counter health misinformation and other health-related psychological challenges, fostering impactful and sustainable scientific exchange.