Global Health EDCTP3 and CEPI join forces to tackle epidemic threats

Global Health EDCTP3 and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to solidify a strategic collaboration aimed at addressing infectious disease threats where the need is greatest.

The agreement was signed during the Twelfth EDCTP Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, underscoring the Forum’s role as a catalyst for high-impact partnerships.

A shared mission for global health equity

The new agreement reflects a clear alignment between the two organisations. Both Global Health EDCTP3 and CEPI are committed to advancing research, accelerating access to vaccines, and strengthening global health equity, particularly in low-resource settings.

By joining forces, the two partners aim to:

• strengthen epidemic preparedness and response.
• support equitable access to life-saving interventions.
• invest in research capacity and infrastructure.

The collaboration will focus on shared actions that are science-driven, equity-oriented, and responsive to future outbreaks, before they become global emergencies.

From ambition to action

This collaboration is a commitment to shared action and mutual reinforcement. It builds on both organisations’ existing strengths, enabling them to scale up efforts where they can have the most significant impact.

‘This partnership with CEPI consolidates our shared commitment to global health equity. By aligning our strengths, from early research to late-stage clinical development, we can respond more quickly and effectively to infectious disease threats, particularly in underserved regions. This agreement lays the foundation for coordinated action that ensures research outputs and innovations not only reach the finish line but reach those who need them most.’

Dr Michael Makanga, Executive Director, Global Health EDCTP3

‘Public health emergencies require capabilities, networks and partnerships to be in place that can pivot quickly to respond when needed. CEPI and Global Health EDCTP3 share a commitment to investing in country partners, capabilities and networks that can drive vaccine and health intervention development to respond to epidemics and save lives in emergencies.’

Saul Walker, Director of Public Partnerships, CEPI

Last month, representatives from CEPI co-hosted a symposium at the Twelfth EDCTP Forum, exploring how epidemic preparedness investments and collaborations tailored to Africa’s needs can support pandemic readiness and the 100 Days Mission. The ambitious goal aims to develop a vaccine against a novel threat in as little as 100 days, approximately one-third of the time it took to create the first COVID-19 vaccines.