EU launches international research programme to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis

The EDCTP is one of the pillars of the EU's action plan against poverty-related diseases, which includes a set of trade, development and research measures.

Fourteen EU countries and Norway will co-ordinate their national research efforts through a joint platform, in full partnership with the developing countries. The programme will also:

• sponsor clinical trials in public-private partnerships across Africa;
• enhance African countries' development and production capabilities;
• identify the most promising vaccine and drug candidates and pool investments for their development at clinical level;
• build capacities for clinical development of drugs and vaccines in the south of the world, through support for infrastructures, training, etc.;
• sponsor clinical trials in Africa in public private partnerships with industry;

The Commission proposes to allocate € 200 million to the initiative over five years.

Commissioner Philippe Busquin commended the strong record of European research institutes in researching poverty-related diseases, and their long tradition of bilateral co-operation with developing countries.