During an official trip in May 2025, the University of Ottawa officially launched the CEReSA project under the framework of the Canadian International Development Scholarships (BCDI 2030). Funded by Global Affairs Canada through the BCDI 2030 program of the consortium of Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada, this ambitious initiative strengthens cooperation between Canada and Benin to train a new generation of skilled and committed health professionals.
The CEReSA project includes a training program for 25 health professionals over five years, six master’s scholarships in priority fields, and capacity-building initiatives for partner institutions. The collaboration is based on a strategic partnership between the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine, the FSS of UAC, and the IRSP, who are working together to address health needs in an equitable and sustainable manner.
The official launch ceremony took place in the presence of the three partner institutions, followed by the signing of the collaboration agreements.
“We have a focus on improving the quality of training through strengthening the skills of teachers, and uOttawa is helping to implement part of this plan.”
Josué Avakoudjo, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi
“The [signing of this agreement] is aimed at strengthening the skills of the teachers at the FSS and the IRSP. It is part of the implementation of the FSS's strategic plan, which is a five-year plan (2024–2028). In this plan, we have a focus on improving the quality of training through strengthening the skills of teachers, and uOttawa is helping to implement part of this plan,” said Josué Avakoudjo, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi.
Luc Djobgenou, Director of the IRSP, stated: “This morning’s session and the signing of this agreement show that we’ve officially begun. Now we can say, ‘We’ve started and here’s what we’ve done,’ and now we will continue this momentum to stay in sync with the current dynamics and ultimately meet our needs effectively.”
During the visit, a public conference on primary health care was held, providing an opportunity to explore global perspectives, issues of care quality, and local experiences. In addition, several strategic meetings took place with key actors in the Beninese health system, including the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Health, the Health Sector Regulatory Authority (ARS), the World Health Organization (WHO) office in Cotonou, as well as NGOs and health care centers.
In the coming months, training sessions will be implemented, CEReSA scholarships will be rolled out, and collaborations will expand in priority areas such as applied research, primary health care, and distance learning. This project reflects a shared commitment to building equitable partnerships, ensuring sustainable cooperation, and promoting global health rooted in local needs.