Luanda, Angola, 3rd August 2023 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Private University of Angola (UPRA) aimed at fostering health research, promoting information sharing, and conducting health activities to improve health outcomes in Angola.

The signing of this memorandum marks a vital step in reinforcing WHO’s collaborative efforts with academic institutions in Angola. It aligns with WHO’s General Work Programme 13, which seeks to strengthen health systems and research. The MoU recognises the need to have academic institutions as critical stakeholders in building and using evidence to inform decision-making in health.

According to Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO's Interim Representative in Angola, "By enhancing our collaboration with academic intuitions, we can leverage their research capabilities and knowledge base to improve the strategic use of health information and investment in supporting the health agenda in Angola. The memorandum will allow us to strengthen health research, knowledge exchange, and enhance the dialogue on health in Angola".

In this context, the MoU with UPRA will promote health research, implementation of joint research projects, information and knowledge sharing, and support training and research programs in health that enhance the promotion and adoption of good practices, ensuring Health For All.

For the Magnificent Rector of UPRA, Professor Dr Silvana Rocha da Silveira, the partnership between UPRA and WHO is an enriching synergy that will enhance academic training, nurturing future health professionals with up-to-date knowledge and practical experiences.

"This initiative offers us a light in strengthening the training of health professionals, preparing them for global challenges and enabling them to contribute significantly to advancing society towards more equitable and resilient health."

In 1949, during the Second World Health Assembly, the WHO defined one of its fundamental priorities as assistance, coordination, and utilisation of activities of existing institutions at the country level to promote health research. Since then, several agreements have been signed with academic institutions to strengthen institutional capacity in countries and regions and implement the WHO mandate.

In addition to signing Memorandums with educational institutions, the WHO has access to more than 800 collaborating centres in over 80 Member States, working with the organisation in areas such as nursing, occupational health, communicable diseases, nutrition, mental health, chronic diseases, and health technologies.

About WHO:
The World Health Organization is the United Nations leading and directing health authority. It connects nations, partners, and people to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable so everyone can attain the highest health and well-being. In Africa, WHOs work is focused on adapting the Primary Health Care approach for accelerated and sustainable attainment of Universal Health Coverage, Health Security and addressing Health across the social, economic, environmental, and political determinants.  

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Para informação adicional, por favor contactar:

Olívio Gambo
Responsável de Comunicação OMS em Angola
Telefone: +244 923 614 857
Email: gamboo [at] who.int