Programme details

The people of the poorest countries notably those of sub-Saharan Africa bear the burden of infectious diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
These diseases are holding up development in Africa. This is a real danger for the whole continent, in terms of public health and economic development.

EDCTP Programme

This programme supports clinical trials to accelerate the development of medicines and vaccines against AIDs, tuberculosis and malaria. EDCTP will help reinforce the capacities of developing countries through the training of scientists, the transfer of technology and know-how, and by making suitable equipment available at local level.

Cooperation with Local Scientists

Often several clinical trials are required before the effectiveness of a vaccine or new medicine can be demonstrated. This is why EDCTP is a long-term programme which will run in the endemic areas, as close as possible to the actual conditions of use.
African scientists are very familiar with the medical, social and cultural aspects of these communicable diseases. That's why this partnership between scientists of North and South is so important: each brings his own knowledge to the enterprise.

Ethical Principle

With suitable equipment, the scientists can work in optimal conditions in the heart of the endemic zones whose populations are most at risk - fully respecting confidentiality and in accordance with international ethical principles.

North South Partnership

The EDCTP has a strength in that it is actually working on strengthening the collaboration between northern and southern institutions.
But most importantly it is a long term program insuring that there is a good transfer of technology, and the actions taken actually benefit the people that have been the subject of the research.
The EDCTP will also encourage exchanges among African scientists. In this way, they can collaborate better, and exchange the fruits of their research.

Conclusion

By setting up platforms for clinical trials in the endemic zones, by reinforcing capacities and training, the EDCTP programme gives a boost to research and hopes thereby to contribute to the fight against poverty related diseases, which are holding up the development of the African continent.