October 2, 2018
Every Two years EDCTP organizes a forum for EDCTP funded grants and awardees. The aim is to assess progress with project activities, share best practices and challenges experienced in project implementation. The Forum is rotational in both European and African countries. The 8th EDCTP Forum took place in Zambia – Africa and the just concluded 9th EDCTP forum took place in Lisbon- Portugal on the 17th to 21st September.
The forum started with a high-level meeting for the representatives of the EU Assembly from The Participating states representatives. The hon. Minister of State for Health (Primary Health Care) Hon. Sarah Opendi and Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu represented Uganda in this high-level meeting. WHO representatives, also attended and learnt from the EDCTP in this meeting
The forum started with an EDCTP fellow’s meeting on the morning of 17th September 2018. that had presentations from the EDCTP Executive Director Dr. Makanga Michael and Other Inspirational speakers from universities in Europe and Africa were also invited to give motivational and inspirational presentations to the fellows.
Dr. Makanga in his opening remarks urged grantees to move forward linking creativity with partnerships. He called on every grantee and partners to bring on board new ideas, to apply for more grants call running for 2018. The all idea of EDCTP is built around partnerships and collaborations to reduce Poverty related diseases in sub Saharan Africa.
International cooperation and coordination are vital for achieving our mission goals and are at the heart of the EDCTP approach. We expect the best results through alignment and coordination of national research programmes in partnership with the private sector and other stakeholders including international development partners. Capacity development in sub-Saharan Africa in the areas of clinical research, ethical review and regulatory functions remains an important element of this approach. And He thanked all for making the forum a success
The Networks of excellence including the Eastern Africa Consortium for Clinical Trails (EACCR2) Trails of Excellence in Southern Africa (TESA), Central African Network of Excellence (CANTAM) and the Western African Network of Excellence (WANTAM) were given a chance to present on their achievements and lessons learnt from implementing EDCTP Grants. The aim was to give the Nodes of excellence visibility. EACCR2 was ably represented and this Session was chaired by prof. Kaleebu – the overall project coordinator EACCR2 and Prof. Mboup from WANETAM). Prof Blandina Mmbaga From KCRI –Tanzania- EACCR2 Training Node and deputy Coordinator EACCR2 made the presentation for EACCR2.
The NOES also exhibited with advocacy materials and brochures about the network, this also increased traffic to our online presence platforms.
