EDCTP-ECRIN virtual side event at AERAP Science at the EU-AU Summit: Partnering for the development of sustainable clinical research infrastructures and a skilled workforce in Africa.
When: 16 February 2022, 9:00-11:00 CET
Where: Virtual
Register
This session on Partnering for the development of sustainable clinical research infrastructures and a skilled workforce in Africa, co-chaired by EDCTP and the European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN), brings together key global health actors to collectively discuss the next steps towards the comprehensive mobilisation of all the stakeholders necessary for building sustainable clinical research infrastructure, skills development, and strengthening of institutions for the development and uptake of safe and effective R&I products in Africa. A set of recommendations on clinical trial infrastructure and capacity building in Africa arising from a session hosted by ECRIN and EDCTP on 17 June 2021 at the Africa-Europe Science and Innovation Summit will also be further discussed.
Draft agenda
Chairs:
Marcel Tanner, EDCTP High Representative (Europe)
Leonardo Simão, EDCTP High Representative (Africa)
09:00-09:10
Welcome and introduction from the co-Chairs
09:10-09:25
EDCTP: a global partnership for investing in people, skills and research infrastructure for infectious diseases research and innovation in Africa
Michael Makanga, EDCTP Executive Director
09:25-09:40
Infrastructure for multinational cooperation in clinical research: ECRIN and the CRIGH initiative
Jacques Demotes, ECRIN Director General
09:40-10:30
Policy roundtable on EU-AU research and innovation cooperation for the development of sustainable clinical research infrastructures and a skilled workforce in Africa
Speakers to be confirmed
10:30-10:55
Audience Q&A and discussion
10:55-11:00
Wrap-up and closing remarks
Background
Health research and innovation (R&I) are fundamental for health – one of the major determinants of economic growth and poverty reduction, and a centrepiece in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The COVID-19 crisis underscored once again the vital importance of global health research preparedness and response. Accelerated basic and clinical research carried out in real-time by consolidated infrastructures provided prevention and therapeutic tools within unprecedented timelines. Despite record achievements, access remains a key issue to ensure the provision of the standard of care globally. Gaps in cross-border ethical and regulatory harmonization, quality sample and data collection, data sharing and repurposing mechanisms remain to be addressed in order to enable multinational clinical research capacities in Africa.
Establishing a robust clinical research infrastructure coupled with scientific excellence and leadership is a key development step to addressing health challenges on the continent. Governments should capitalize on the momentum from the response to COVID-19 to coordinate efforts by all stakeholders, including private actors as well as development banks, and provide sustainable governance and funding mechanisms for tackling global health challenges.
More information
The AERAP Africa-Europe Science Collaboration Platform will organise side events at the AU-EU Summit on 14-17 February. The purpose of the Africa-Europe Science and Innovation Summit will be to promote awareness of the contribution of collaborative research and development as a critical aspect of EU-Africa relations and collaborations, in particular in addressing global challenges together. For more information please visit the website for the Africa-Europe Science and Innovation Summit