Africa CDC and Global Health EDCTP3 strengthen partnership for public health and research in Africa

ETHIOPIA – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Global Health European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership 3 (Global Health EDCTP3) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance health research, clinical trials, and pandemic preparedness in Africa.

This agreement builds on a long-standing partnership and aims to support Africa’s public health initiatives by promoting research, workforce training, and local manufacturing of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments.

A stronger partnership for public health

Global Health EDCTP3 was established in 2021 as a collaboration between the European Union and the EDCTP Association, representing 15 European and 30 sub-Saharan African countries.

Its goal is to reduce disease-related deaths and illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa by supporting research, innovation, and the development of medical solutions for infectious diseases.

With Africa facing growing health challenges due to climate change, conflicts, and limited financial resources, this renewed partnership aims to strengthen Africa’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats.

Building on an MoU signed in 2021, the new agreement introduces a structured Joint Action Plan (2025-2027) focusing on six key areas:

• Workforce Development – Training researchers and strengthening health research capacity in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Clinical Trials – Enhancing the ability of African Union (AU) Member States to conduct clinical trials.
• Infectious Disease Research – Advancing research and development of new or improved treatments and vaccines.
• Local Manufacturing – Strengthening regulatory frameworks and expanding vaccine, diagnostic, and therapeutic production in Africa.
• Equitable Partnerships – Fostering fair, action-oriented collaborations.
• Pandemic Preparedness – Supporting global initiatives like the Pandemic Fund, depending on selection outcomes.

Boosting Africa’s research and innovation capacity

Under this agreement, Africa CDC and Global Health EDCTP3 will implement joint programs aligned with their strategic priorities. The Joint Action Plan will help mobilize resources and attract public and private investment to improve Africa’s health research and manufacturing sectors.

Dr. Michael Makanga, Executive Director of Global Health EDCTP3, emphasized the importance of the partnership:

“After nearly a decade of collaboration, this MoU will further strengthen our efforts to support research, capacity building, and equitable partnerships that improve public health outcomes across Africa. I look forward to seeing our partnership reach new heights.”

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, highlighted the significance of investing in African-led solutions:

“This renewed partnership is a bold step toward strengthening Africa’s health research and clinical trial capacity. By supporting homegrown innovations, we enhance our ability to respond to health threats and improve public health sustainably. This MoU reaffirms our commitment to training African scientists and expanding local vaccine and treatment production.”