Who we are - Global Health EDCTP3 JU
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Who we are

Who we are

Backed by the European Union and over 40 countries, we focus on infectious diseases that continue to harm millions across sub-Saharan Africa.

We fund clinical trials and studies, train researchers, and strengthen the African clinical research ecosystem, ensuring that solutions are developed where they are most needed and global health security is increased.

The funding programme has led European Union (EU) efforts to support health research in Africa, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals on infectious diseases. It also plays a role in advancing the EU Global Health Strategy and the African Union-EU’s shared health and innovation priorities.

Our vision 

Global Health EDCTP3’s vision is to reduce the individual, social, and economic burden of poverty-related infectious diseases, including neglected, emerging, and re-emerging infectious diseases, in sub-Saharan Africa. 

Our mission

To lower mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa by supporting global collaborative research, capacity strengthening, and accelerating the development, evaluation, and implementation of solutions to prevent,
detect, treat and monitor infectious diseases.

We fund projects through the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation (R&I) framework. These projects are selected through open calls for proposals and bring together partners across sectors and continents.

Our values 

Global Health EDCTP3’s mission and vision build on the following core values: 

  • Science;
  • Partnership;
  • Excellence;
  • Diversity;
  • Equity;
  • Impact. 

Our objectives

Global Health EDCTP3’s objectives are set out in the legislation creating Global Health EDCTP3. Our general objectives are to contribute to: 

  • Reducing the socio-economic burden of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa by promoting the development and uptake of new or improved health technologies.
  • Increasing health security in sub-Saharan Africa and globally by strengthening research capacities for preparedness and response to control infectious diseases.

These general objectives are supported by the following specific objectives that are described in our Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda: 

 

  • Clinical research
    Clinical research

    Advance the development and use of new or improved medical interventions for tackling infectious diseases by supporting the conduct of clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa.  

  • Capacity development
    Capacity development

    Build sustainable clinical research capacity and strengthen national health research systems in sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring adherence to the highest ethical and regulatory standards.

  • Enhanced coordination

    Facilitate better alignment of national efforts around a shared global health Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda.

  • Epidemic preparedness

    Strengthen the ability of sub-Saharan African countries to respond rapidly
    and effectively to infectious disease outbreaks through strengthened
    research capabilities.

  • International cooperation

    Foster collaboration across Africa, Europe, and beyond - including North-South, South-South, and North-North partnerships - and develop strategic alliances with the public and private sectors.

Additionally, Global Health EDCTP3 has several operational tasks, such as fostering productive relationships between European and African individuals, research groups and institutions, and promoting synergies, collaboration and joint initiatives to attract additional investment, exploit opportunities for high-quality clinical research, and maximise the impact of integrated approaches to research. 

The legislation creating Global Health EDCTP3 also creates eight other Joint Undertakings. These public-private partnerships share some broader objectives, such as boosting the EU’s competitiveness; contributing to the EU’s response to global challenges (including health); accelerating the green and digital transitions; strengthening scientific excellence; stimulating research and innovation in SMEs. 

Global Health EDCTP3 contributes to key EU policies, most notably Horizon Europe, the AU-EU Innovation Agenda and the EU’s Global Health Strategy. Additionally, Global Health EDCTP3 supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, aimed at ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.