European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership

European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP)

The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) is a public-public partnership between countries in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. The EDCTP aims to support collaborative research to accelerate the clinical development of new or improved interventions to prevent or treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other poverty-related diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

History

The EDCTP was established in 2003 as an initiative of the European Union (EU) and the European Commission. It was created in response to the urgent need for new clinical interventions to combat the high burden of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. The partnership brings together European and African countries, as well as other international stakeholders, to pool resources and expertise.

Objectives

The main objectives of the EDCTP are:

• To support the clinical development of new or improved medical interventions for poverty-related diseases.
• To strengthen the capacity of sub-Saharan African countries to conduct high-quality clinical research.
• To promote collaboration between European and African researchers and institutions.
• To facilitate the translation of research findings into policy and practice.

Funding

The EDCTP is funded by contributions from participating European and African countries, as well as the European Union. Additional funding is provided by other international donors and partners. The partnership supports a wide range of activities, including clinical trials, capacity building, and networking.

Governance

The EDCTP is governed by a General Assembly, which includes representatives from all participating countries. The General Assembly is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the partnership and overseeing its activities. The EDCTP Secretariat, based in The Hague, Netherlands, manages the day-to-day operations of the partnership.

Achievements

Since its inception, the EDCTP has made significant contributions to the fight against poverty-related diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Some of its key achievements include:

• Supporting numerous clinical trials for new or improved treatments and vaccines for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
• Building research capacity in sub-Saharan Africa through training and infrastructure development.
• Fostering collaboration between European and African researchers and institutions.

Future Directions

The EDCTP continues to evolve to address emerging health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Future priorities include expanding the scope of research to include neglected tropical diseases, non-communicable diseases, and emerging infectious diseases. The partnership also aims to enhance its impact by strengthening collaborations with other global health initiatives and stakeholders.

See Also

• HIV/AIDS
• Tuberculosis
• Malaria
• Poverty-related diseases
• European Union
• European Commission