The STEAM-3D (Sustainable Training in Epidemiological Analysis and Modelling for Data-Driven Decision Making in Africa) initiative is a multi-country programme dedicated to strengthening infectious disease modelling capacity across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Led by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), STEAM 3D brings together leading academic and public health institutions across Africa and Europe to develop and support a new generation of researchers with the analytical skills, modelling expertise, and tools required to transform data into actionable insights that inform evidence-based public health policy and decision-making.
Its overarching goal is to empower African researchers, public health professionals, and institutions with the skills, collaborative networks, and tools to generate, analyse, and translate complex health data into actionable evidence. This evidence will support informed policy development, strengthen outbreak preparedness and response and contribute to more resilient health systems across the region.
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Sub-Saharan Africa faces a disproportionate burden of infectious diseases, yet significant gaps remain in local expertise for disease modelling, access to advanced analytical training and the effective translation of health data into evidence-informed policies and interventions. STEAM-3D will address these gaps by:
The programme combines specialized training, mentorship, knowledge exchange and multi-country collaboration to:
The STEAM‑3D programme will be implemented through training hubs in:
With strong partnerships across Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, the programme promotes South–South collaboration and supports sustainable, long-term capacity strengthening in infectious disease modelling and data driven public health decision-making.
STEAM‑3D will contribute to: