Message from Michael Makanga on the launch of Global Health EDCTP3 newsletter 

Dear colleagues, partners and friends,

I am delighted to present to you the first edition of Global Health EDCTP3 newsletter and update you on the developments and long strides taken so far in 2024.

Building on the foundation of the first two European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) programmes, the new Global Health EDCTP3, with a budget of 1.86 billion Euros, is now moving at full throttle. With a mission-focus and a results-based approach, it is consolidating the previous efforts and commitment to reduce the burden of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa and improve health security globally.

At the end of 2023, I had the pleasure to start my tenure as new Executive Director. In the second half of 2024, the team based in Brussels is steadily growing as a mastermind alliance. The management team is complete, with Liesbet de Cock (Operations), Vincent Declerfayt (Administration & Finance) and soon Lara Pandya (Communications & Strategic Partnerships) getting on board. To meet the full team, you can visit our staff page.

Our portfolio of projects tackling infectious diseases, including emerging and re-emerging infections hindering global health security, is steadily growing. Adding to the 28 projects funded from the 2022 Work Programme, 21 projects under the 2023 Work Programme have grant agreements already signed, with more currently under preparation. These include eight clinical trials projects previously funded by the EDCTP2 programme, and whose activities were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last April, the 2024 calls for proposals received 250 proposals. The eligible proposals are currently being assessed.

At this moment, 218 entities from all over the world are involved in Global Health EDCTP3 projects, spanning 28 African nations and 13 Member States of the European Union. As the programme grows, I look forward to engaging with many more.

Earlier this year, following a new Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Global Health EDCTP3 triggered a dedicated public health emergency call as part of the 2024 Work Programme. The call was open between 14 and 29 May. Out of 17 proposals received, five projects are expected to be funded and four are on the reserve list. This is an excellent turnround in a very short timeframe.

Finally, we continue to strive to work in partnership with the European Commission and its agencies, the EDCTP Association member countries, regional partners and like-minded organisations with whom we share common goals.

As we walk our talk towards a healthier, more secure world, I invite you to share this newsletter with relevant colleagues and partners and to follow us on LinkedIn and X.

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