EDCTP launches its second round for calls for proposals for Joint Programme Activities. The key objective of this Joint Programme Activities call is to integrate European Member States' activities in sub-Saharan African on the three poverty related diseases (PRDs) of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria where these are relevant to EDCTP’s own remit. EDCTP encourages European Member States and their researchers to collaborate with other Member States in their national research activities on the three PRDs and offers a financial contribution to improve integration and coordination.

Funding is available for existing and ongoing projects as well as new initiatives as long as the added value of the EDCTP contribution can be clearly demonstrated. It is essential when submitting proposals to this call that applicants identify one or more projects or activities not funded by EDCTP, which involves or is sponsored by one or more European Member States. The proposal should aim to link these activities with other similar projects, or indeed link them with projects currently funded by EDCTP, in order to increase overall integration of European Member States' activities. The € 5 M funding available aims to support initiatives within the scope of the EDCTP programme, namely the acceleration of clinical trials on HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis interventions in sub-Saharan Africa through

• Integration of Member States’ National Programmes
• Strengthening of north-south partnership
• Coordination and networking of African researchers
• Creation of sustainable capacity building in Africa.

Available funds: A minimum of € 5,000,000 in total and up to € 300,000 per proposal.
Deadline of application: applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The next round closes on 5 December 2008.

Please visit the EDCTP website (www.edctp.org) for more information on this call.