The EDCTP is a public-private partnership between the European Union and the EDCTP Association, to which several European and African countries belong. The aim of the partnership is to reduce the individual, social and economic burden of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. This is to be achieved by promoting clinical trials of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics for major infectious diseases as well as novel approaches to monitoring and controlling (re-)emerging infections in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, clinical research capacities in the region are also to be strengthened.

The third funding program has now been launched: Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking (GH EDCTP3 JU). As in the previous programs, European and African partners are working together to combat infectious diseases. This enables multinational research between Europe and Africa and supports sustainability and capacity building in Africa. With a duration from 2021 to 2031, the total budget of EDCTP3 amounts to around € 1.6 billion.

In addition to combating infectious diseases, in particular HIV, TB, malaria, lower respiratory tract infections, diarrheal diseases and neglected, emerging and re-emerging infections, another overarching focus of this partnership is health security in sub-Saharan Africa, but also globally, with regard to climate change, epidemics and pandemics as well as antimicrobial resistance.

The program’s focus is on clinical trials in all phases with an emphasis on phase III and IV as well as particularly vulnerable population groups such as children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly and/or people with multimorbidity.

Application

Both the application process and project management are closely modelled on Horizon Europe and therefore take place exclusively via the EU's Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal. Applications can only be submitted for specific calls that are opened annually in the Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal. The calls for proposals and their deadlines are published by the Dean's Office of Research at our Current Calls for Proposals page.

Unlike other Horizon Europe funding programs, at least one partner in EDCTP collaborative projects must be based in the EU/an Associated State and in a country in sub-Saharan Africa that is a member of the EDCTP Association.

Further information is available from the Dean's Office for Research.