Sorbonne University and the University of Lomé join forces to promote research and education against emerging infectious diseases

"The partnership between Sorbonne University and the University of Lomé is timely: the Covid-19 pandemic affects the whole world, and it is necessary to conduct scientific research that goes beyond borders and analyzes infections on the ground. This project is another concrete expression of the ties between France and Togo and I am sure it will be successful," said Professor Ihou Wateba, Togo's Minister of Higher Education and Research.

Together, the two universities are committed to implementing an initial and continuing education program to train health professionals and researchers in Lomé and Paris, as well as a research partnership based on cutting-edge technologies. The program is resolutely multidisciplinary and is in line with the One Health vision promoted by the WHO. It is based on the expertise of the Center for Education and Research in Public Health (CFSP) at the University of Lomé and that of Sorbonne University in Medicine, Science and Engineering, and Arts and Humanities.

"The Covid crisis has demonstrated the need to deploy a comprehensive approach to health in France as in the rest of the world, and we have much to learn from this partnership that forms part of the major strategic axes of Sorbonne University for the next decade," said Professor Jean Chambaz, President of Sorbonne University.

The CFSP at the University of Lomé will increase its research and education capacities in the various fields necessary for the treatment of infectious diseases. "The association of these two universities sends a strong signal. It is proof that even in this difficult health and social context, the cooperation between France and Togo continues, and enables us to conduct research on infectious diseases that all too often impact the local population. The university is nothing without research. It defines the quality of its teaching, which is the basis for all progress," said Professor Komla Dodzi Kokoroko, Minister of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education and Handicrafts, President of the University of Lomé.

This partnership, which was signed in the presence of the Minister of Higher Education and Research, Professor Koffi Akpagana, and the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Professor Moustafa Mijiyawa, also facilitates the movement of students and researchers between France, Togo and the entire sub-region.
"It is absolutely necessary to continue training and learning throughout one’s lifetime. During a pandemic, the essential role of research is clear for everyone. For this reason, we continue to depend on research and partnerships such as this one.” said Anne-Laure Kiechel, President of the Strategic Committee of the Sorbonne University Foundation and founder of Global Sovereign Advisory.