TropIKA

A new initiative – the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDi) ­– has been launched to promote and sustain African-led research and development in the treatment of diseases, including those based on traditional medicines and natural products. The first meeting of ANDi will be held in Abuja, Nigeria 6-8th October 2008.

The network’s launch follows numerous calls for increased investment in health R&D in Africa. It is envisaged that ANDi will have a secretariat in Africa with a strong element of public-private partnerships. ANDi will also support capacity and infrastructural development.

Many reports from international bodies have stressed the need to promote R&D and economic development in developing countries and for commitment from African governments in support of health research. Many international and philanthropic agencies do support research and capacity building in Africa. However, Africa’s own capacity has not been systematically harnessed. There is also a need for better understanding of the research needed to support informed decision making. This is especially important in the area of health product discovery, development, evaluation and delivery A mapping exercise was therefore been initiated to support and inform an R&D strategy for ANDi to better understand available human and infrastructural capacity. The exercise has involved consultation with many African researchers and scientists, interviews and discussions with scientists and policy makers, as well as literature and internet searches.

Initial data from the mapping exercise suggest that significant gaps in capacity, financing and infrastructure remain. In the area of traditional medicines, a systematic research evaluation and validation of the biological activities of traditional medicines is a gap that needs to be filled. Also needed is coordination of fragmented R&D in Africa activities. Mechanisms to support the management of intellectual property need to be put place.

The first ANDi meeting has the following objectives:

• To review the landscape for product R&D in Africa
• To discuss the operational framework of ANDi
• Produce a publication that builds on the ANDi concept paper and the R&D landscape in Africa
• To discuss and agree the next steps for ANDi.

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