High-Level Conference in Cape Town: African and European policy-makers to discuss EDCTP2
African and European policy-makers and other stakeholders will meet at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Monday 5 November for a high-level conference to discuss the second programme of the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). The conference is hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and EDCTP. It will provide a forum to discuss stakeholder needs and expectations regarding EDCTP2 (2014-2024), as well as the opportunities the programme will create. The conference also marks the 15th anniversary of the conclusion of the European Union-South Africa Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom, will deliver a welcome address at the opening session, which will be followed by addresses from the EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Ms Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and the EDCTP High Representative and former Prime Minister of Mozambique, Dr Pascoal Mocumbi. South Africa’s Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, will contribute to the closing session.
Keynote addresses will be delivered by Sheila Tlou, Director of the UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) Regional Support Team for East and Southern Africa, and Trevor Mundel, President of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Health Programme.
Four strategic issues for EDCTP2 will be addressed: (1) The lessons learned from the first programme; (2) The challenges and opportunities for the second programme; (3) The commitment of the participating European and African countries; and (4) The participation and support of the private sector (in particular companies, foundations and charities) in EDCTP2.
The participants include policy-makers, product development partners and representatives of industry, non-governmental organisations and the research community. On 6 November, participants will have the opportunity to visit EDCTP clinical trial sites in Cape Town.
More information
Media information requests: please contact G.O. van de Klashorst, EDCTP communications officer, at the following address: klashorst[at]edctp.org