Lung Health Africa
New initiative in Lung Health Africa
Cambridge-Africa are delighted to support the Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS) Methods in Epidemiologic, Clinical and Operational Research (MECOR) Programme. PATS is a respiratory society that aims to promote lung health in Africa, the continent most afflicted by morbidity and death from respiratory diseases, by promoting education, research, advocacy, optimal care and the development of African capacity to address respiratory challenges in the continent. Cambridge-Africa is a natural partner to PATS given our long track record in research capacity strengthening and broad networks. This work is underpinned by a generous philanthropic donation by the Aldama Foundation.
PATS MECOR is co-directed by Professor Refiloe Masekela at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. You can read more about Prof Masekela here and about the PATS-MECOR programme on this external page. The PATS MECOR Course aims to empower local and regional health professionals to conduct high-quality research that addresses critical respiratory health challenges and improves patient outcomes across Africa.This year, the 2025 PATS MECOR course will take place from 1-5th September at the Brackenhurst Centre, Limuru, Kenya with attendees from across Africa. Cambridge-Africa will be participating in the course and developing the linkages with another strategic area of the Cambridge-Africa Programme, Climate Resilience and Sustainability. Read Corinna Alberg's blog on the 2024 course here.
Building on this new partnership, we aim to develop a broader research programme in Lung Health, connecting colleagues and opportunities across Africa and in Cambridge, where a new Heart and Lung Research Institute, has recently opened. Professor Kevin Mortimer - a clinical director of Respiratory Medicine in Liverpool and leading Global Lung Health researcher - has been helping us to drive this agenda forward. Professor Mortimer is now an affiliate professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge.