Abdoulie Barry
Acting Executive Director & Director of Finance and Administration
2023 was indeed a milestone year for EDCTP. The second independent interim evaluation of the EDCTP2 programme was published in 2023 praises the programme’s adaptability and its responsiveness to the needs of populations and health research systems in sub-Saharan Africa.
A highlight of 2023 was the Eleventh EDCTP Forum, held in Paris, France, in November 2023, which celebrated 20 years of EDCTP and covered both the EDCTP2 and Global Health EDCTP3 programmes. As well as many distinguished speakers, the Forum heard how multiple EDCTP2 projects are generating data of crucial public health importance and provided an excellent opportunity for networking and exchange of ideas and experience. We are already looking forward to the next Forum, which will be held in Rwanda in 2025.
We were also pleased to see seven Global Health EDCTP3 calls for proposals launched in 2023, with a total budget of over €130 million and covering a wide range of topics, including tackling Ebola outbreaks, women’s and child health, and improving modes of vaccine delivery. EDCTP programmes have made significant achievements, as is reflected in this Annual Report. However, we still have much to do. I am confident that the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking will achieve even more.
As we entered the closing phase of the EDCTP2 programme, one of our objectives in 2023 was to provide more support to ongoing projects, including operational and financial management support to EDCTP-funded grant-holders, as they complete their studies and disseminate their findings. Our priority has been to ensure they not only successfully close their projects but also avoid incurring ineligible expenses by complying with the general and specific conditions for eligibility as set out in the Article 185 Model Grant Agreement. In fulfilment of this objective, we organised two project and financial management trainings and four site visits in 2023, thanks to the dedication and commitment of EDCTP staff and management.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many of our projects, but the consequences were generally delays, rather than complete termination. In 2023, we worked closely with project coordinators to determine the impact of COVID-19 on project durations. Consequently, we have amended 77 grant agreements to give projects more time to complete their scope and objectives.
As mentioned in our Board Chair’s message, 2023 was indeed a milestone year for EDCTP. The second independent interim evaluation of the EDCTP2 programme was published in 2023. It is very pleasing to see that the report highlighted EDCTP’s contributions towards the building of equitable research partnerships between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa; and how EDCTP’s activities have underpinned major advances in health and strengthened research capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. The evaluation praises the programme’s adaptability and its responsiveness to the needs of populations and health research systems in sub-Saharan Africa.
As we report on the achievements of the EDCTP programmes in 2023 we should not forget to thank the European Commission and all founding members of EDCTP for their ingenuity in not only creating EDCTP but also including 'partnership' in the name. I must also thank all EDCTP stakeholders, particularly EDCTP staff, grant-holders, and constituencies, for ensuring that this partnership is a success.
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As mentioned in our Board Chair’s message, 2023 was indeed a milestone year for EDCTP. The second independent interim evaluation of the EDCTP2 programme was published in 2023. It is very pleasing to see that the report highlighted EDCTP’s contributions towards the building of equitable research partnerships between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa; and how EDCTP’s activities have underpinned major advances in health and strengthened research capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. The evaluation praises the programme’s adaptability and its responsiveness to the needs of populations and health research systems in sub-Saharan Africa.
As we report on the achievements of the EDCTP programmes in 2023 we should not forget to thank the European Commission and all founding members of EDCTP for their ingenuity in not only creating EDCTP but also including 'partnership' in the name. I must also thank all EDCTP stakeholders, particularly EDCTP staff, grant-holders, and constituencies, for ensuring that this partnership is a success.
In its ninth year, EDCTP2 has adhered to its strategic vision, and is delivering significant impact on poverty-related diseases and clinical research capacity in sub-Saharan Africa.
Implementation research and uptake: Although the demonstration of safety and efficacy in clinical trials is essential, it does not guarantee the introduction and uptake of new interventions. Additional data may be required by policymakers and implementation research studies may be needed to identify the most effective strategies and delivery systems of new interventions. In recognition of this critical gap, EDCTP2 also supports preparatory and implementation activities, including product-focused implementation research.
Notable examples include the ADOPT study, which is laying the ground for introduction of arpraziquantel for pre-school-aged children, and the DREAMM project, focused on new approaches for diagnosis and clinical management of central nervous system infections, such as cryptococcal meningitis, in people living with HIV. In addition, the LeishAccess project is working with ministries of health to promote greater use of Leishmania treatments, including a new therapy evaluated through the AfriKADIA project. The PEP4LEP project is comparing two strategies to prevent transmission of leprosy within affected households.
This area of work also provides opportunities to explore synergies with bodies working on complementary areas of development assistance. For example, two joint calls on strengthening of health systems and maximising the impact of research on reducing disease burdens leveraged an additional €23 million from bodies including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
In your view, how has the Covid-19 pandemic informed the way organisations such as EDCTP collaborate with industry partners - what can be done differently?
A highlight of 2023 was the Eleventh EDCTP Forum, held in Paris, France, in November 2023, which celebrated 20 years of EDCTP and covered both the EDCTP2 and Global Health EDCTP3 programmes. As well as many distinguished speakers, the Forum heard how multiple EDCTP2 projects are generating data of crucial public health importance and provided an excellent opportunity for networking and exchange of ideas and experience. We are already looking forward to the next Forum, which will be held in Rwanda in 2025.
We were also pleased to see seven Global Health EDCTP3 calls for proposals launched in 2023, with a total budget of over €130 million and covering a wide range of topics, including tackling Ebola outbreaks, women’s and child health, and improving modes of vaccine delivery. EDCTP programmes have made significant achievements, as is reflected in this Annual Report. However, we still have much to do. I am confident that the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking will achieve even more.
How do you think we can build on the industry-supported activities that have been conducted to date and what new opportunities do you anticipate will emerge that can be jointly initiated under Global Health EDCTP3?
As we entered the closing phase of the EDCTP2 programme, one of our objectives in 2023 was to provide more support to ongoing projects, including operational and financial management support to EDCTP-funded grant-holders, as they complete their studies and disseminate their findings. Our priority has been to ensure they not only successfully close their projects but also avoid incurring ineligible expenses by complying with the general and specific conditions for eligibility as set out in the Article 185 Model Grant Agreement. In fulfilment of this objective, we organised two project and financial management trainings and four site visits in 2023, thanks to the dedication and commitment of EDCTP staff and management.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many of our projects, but the consequences were generally delays, rather than complete termination. In 2023, we worked closely with project coordinators to determine the impact of COVID-19 on project durations. Consequently, we have amended 77 grant agreements to give projects more time to complete their scope and objectives.
How would you describe EDCTP’s strategy on industry involvement in global health product development? In what way has EDCTP worked to facilitate collaboration with industry?