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Paper short abstract:

Exploring transdisciplinary approaches to pandemic and epidemic resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa, this research examines how community knowledge and social science contribute to crisis management, offering insights for global responses to intersecting challenges.

Paper long abstract:

This research explores the evolution of transdisciplinary approaches in epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2012 to 2023. Drawing on a decade of research, I examine how social science contributions and community knowledge have been integrated into existing preparedness and response architectures, focusing on three case studies: neglected zoonoses (2012-2014), the West Africa Ebola outbreak (2014-2016), and the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2023).

The research investigates the intersection of power, knowledge, and crisis, emphasising multi-actor, community co-production that integrates disciplinary and non-academic knowledge. By analysing the politics of knowledge and power dynamics in research and policy implementation, this work advances our understanding of transdisciplinary approaches that recognise the complex socio-cultural contexts of outbreaks.

A new project in Sierra Leone will be presented, focusing on how transdisciplinarity has been integrated across existing pandemic/epidemic preparedness and response architectures. This research examines innovative community actions to lower disease spread and the critical role of local, integrated responses where robust health systems are lacking.

By highlighting these grassroots initiatives that blend traditional practices with modern approaches, including digital innovation, to crisis management, this research offers insights into how Africa's experience can inform broader global responses to intersecting crises. It reinforces that sustainable development in a polycrisis era requires not only adaptation but also innovation grounded in the unique strengths of affected communities.