The Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health has announced the launch of the African Academy of Health Sciences (AAHS), an institution dedicated to advancing research and development in health sciences across Africa.

The launch ceremony was held on Saturday at the Mohammed VI University of Science and Health in Dakhla, according to a press release by the Foundation.

Based in Dakhla, the AAHS aims to foster South-South cooperation to strengthen African health sovereignty. It seeks to establish a platform for collaboration and partnership, advancing scientific research tailored to Africa’s specific needs.

The institution also prioritizes excellence in health science education, offering training programs designed to address the continent’s unique challenges.

The Academy is committed to uniting experts through African networks to develop strategies, execute research projects, and disseminate knowledge and best practices in health.

It aspires to become a leading body and a significant task force for African health advancement.

The AAHS collaborates with strategic partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and key stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry, to promote health cooperation.

It also engages in collecting and analysing health data through its Big Data initiative, serving as a non-profit observatory for public health inquiries from Moroccan, African, and global institutions.

The Academy’s scope of work spans human health (public health, emergencies, cardiology), animal health (veterinary care, food safety), and environmental health (climate change, desertification, and water management).

Through its initiatives, the AAHS aims to position itself as a hub for health development in Africa.

It promotes scientific innovation and organises conferences and symposia to contribute to the sustainable improvement of health systems across the continent.