The West African Ebola outbreak in 2014-15 highlighted gaps in global public health response and a lack of countermeasures. To help address this, the DOD invested in a strategic initiative called the Joint West Africa Research Group to leverage existing research platforms and relationships to improve biopreparedness in the region.

This new program was initiated in late 2015 and is a collaboration between the U.S. Military HIV Research Program at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Naval Medical Research Unit 3-Ghana Detachment, the Austere Environment Consortium for Enhanced Sepsis Outcomes and other military, government and academic institutions. Partners build upon existing programs in Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia with initiatives focused on lab and clinical strengthening, biosurveillance and countermeasure development.

On June 23, the program was officially commissioned by the Deputy Chief of Missions, Maria Brewer in Lagos, Nigeria. Remarks were made from Commander of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, Major-General Abimbola Amusu. This is was a momentous occasion that included dignitaries from the United States Government and the Nigerian military. (Courtesy Photo)