EDCTP contributes to Africa’s health security by supporting clinical research, training, and networks for epidemic preparedness and response.[1] It builds capacity to investigate outbreaks, develop countermeasures, and exchange data and knowledge swiftly.[2] In partnership with Africa CDC,[3] WHO AFRO,[4] GloPID-R, CEPI[5] and others, EDCTP trains epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and infectious-disease specialists, strengthening Africa’s ability to detect and manage threats earlier and more effectively.
EDCTP supports Africa’s response to health threats, including Ebola, mpox, COVID-19,[6] Lassa fever,[7] and climate- and AMR-related outbreaks. Its support spans vaccine, therapeutic, and diagnostic development,[8] epidemiological studies,[9] surveillance of vectors[10] and drug-resistance,[11] regulatory and ethics oversight for pandemic preparedness,[12] vaccine safety in vulnerable groups,[13] and digital tools like AI and mobile health.[14] These efforts position EDCTP as a key partner in pandemic preparedness and response,[15] and in advancing Africa’s health sovereignty and resilience.
Sources:
[1] Project example: PANDORA-ID-NET (2016) EDCTP
[2] Project example: ALERRT (2018) EDCTP
[3] EDCTP (2024) EDCTP and Africa CDC collaborative initiative survey report on the ‘Epi-Biostat’ initiative
[4] EDCTP (2017) EDCTP joins forces with WHO AFRO and TDR to fund implementation research - EDCTP
[5] Cf. Footnote 15.
[6] Cf. Footnotes 16 and 17.
[7] Project example: LEAP4WA (2021)
[8] Project examples: EPoCA (2024), ODIN-Mpox (2024), MOVIE-TRACE (2024) CORDIS. European Commission
[9] Project examples: JUA KIVU (2024) CORDIS. European Commission
[10] Project examples: DEFEND (2025), VectorGrid-Africa (2025) CORDIS. European Commission
[11] Project example: mfloDx (2021), CATCR (2024). CORDIS. European Commission
[12] Project examples: ECOWAS-RegECs (2023), BREEDIME (2023) CORDIS. European Commission
[13] Project example: PregInPoxVac (2024) CORDIS. European Commission
[14] See section 4.
[15] EDCTP is considered a key pillar for pandemic preparedness research and innovation in the Africa CDC Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan. Cf. Africa CDC (2024) Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa
Related links
Our added value for Africa
EDCTP improves health and prosperity in Africa by funding clinical research, strengthening local capacities, and empowering African scientists. Its investments reduce the burden of infectious diseases, boost productivity, and support sustainable development across the continent.
EDCTP builds Africa’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to outbreaks through training, research, and strong partnerships. Its work accelerates vaccine and diagnostic development and reinforces the continent’s health resilience.
EDCTP strengthens Africa’s clinical research ecosystem by investing in skills, infrastructure, and regulatory systems. Initiatives like CTCAN and PACTR connect researchers and regulators, expanding quality trials and fostering local leadership.
EDCTP strengthens Africa-led health partnerships with organisations like Africa CDC and WHO AFRO, aligning research and investment with continental priorities. As an AU–EU Innovation Agenda partner, it builds skills, fosters co-investment, and drives sustainable cooperation.
EDCTP promotes health equity by developing practical solutions for underserved communities, including newborns and children, women, urban poor and rural communities. It funds accessible technologies and digital tools that expand healthcare reach and improve outcomes for those most in need.
Our added value for Europe
EDCTP boosts Europe’s competitiveness by advancing research excellence, innovation, and public–private cooperation in global health. By supporting late-stage development and Africa–Europe partnerships, it bridges the EU innovation gap and creates new market and investment opportunities.
EDCTP strengthens Europe’s health security by tackling climate-sensitive diseases and antimicrobial resistance, enhancing surveillance, and accelerating medical countermeasures. Its rapid crisis responses, from Ebola to COVID-19, show its agility in protecting Europe and global health.
EDCTP drives Europe’s science diplomacy through fair Africa–Europe partnerships that tackle global health challenges. Its equitable governance and ethical research practices strengthen EU credibility and global influence.
EDCTP strengthens Europe’s leadership in digital health by investing in AI, data, and digital technologies while training researchers in fields like bioinformatics and genomic epidemiology.
EDCTP advances the EU’s human rights goals by promoting ethical, inclusive research that addresses unmet medical needs. It ensures innovations reach vulnerable populations while strengthening local scientific and health systems.
New and better medicines already saving and improving lives
RTS,S and R21/Matrix-M are the first vaccines against malaria and, more broadly, against any parasitic disease. Both vaccines stimulate an immune response that prevents malaria infection.
Coartem® Baby is the first approved malaria treatment specifically designed for newborns and young infants weighing 2 to less than 5 kg. It is a dissolvable tablet that can be mixed with breast milk, has a sweet cherry flavour to make administration easier, and delivers precise dosing.
Triomune Baby/Junior became the first fixed-dose combination medicine developed specifically for children with HIV and paved the way for additional improved combination therapies for first- and second-line HIV treatment in children.
This new fixed-dose combination therapy of albendazole/ivermectin targets five types of parasitic worms (four soil-transmitted helminth infections and lymphatic filariasis), which will significantly improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of large-scale interventions.
Arpraziquantel is the first child-friendly medicine in an oro-dispersible formulation to treat and cure schistosomiasis. It is easy to administer and adapted for rural and tropical settings, offering high efficacy with minimal side effects.
Fexinidazole Winthrop and Acoziborole Winthrop are two new oral treatments for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), known as sleeping sickness. Fexinidazole is the first all-oral therapy, while Acoziborole is the first single-dose, one-day treatment for the most common form of the disease.
This new therapy, a single high-dose of liposomal Amphotericin B, is as effective as the traditional week-long regimen, easier to administer, and causes fewer side effects. It is now the WHO-recommended therapy for cryptococcal meningitis.
A simple, three-part package combining screening, preventive treatment and community adherence support significantly cuts deaths among people starting HIV treatment with advanced disease.
Eurartesim® is a fixed-dose artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) containing dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHAPQ) for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria.
Molbio Truenat, with MTB-Plus and RIF-Dx assays, is a portable, battery-powered molecular diagnostic tool for tuberculosis (TB) testing directly in primary health care settings.
Pyramax® is an established antimalarial medicine whose safety and efficacy have been progressively expanded through EDCTP-supported research to reach more patient groups who lack specific treatment options, including children, pregnant women and patients requiring re-treatment.
The PredART trial showed that prednisone, a common and inexpensive steroid drug used to treat Tuberculosis-Associated Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (TB-IRIS), can also be used to prevent it.
A three-drug antiretroviral regimen given to HIV-positive women in late pregnancy and through breastfeeding cuts HIV transmission to babies safely, without requiring mothers to stop breastfeeding.