European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership - Ebola
Lead Research Organisation:
European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership
Department Name: UNLISTED
Abstract
Background
The outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa has catalysed a number of research and
development activities that are focused on delivering effective therapeutic, diagnostic and preventive
interventions. However, the successful testing and implementation of these interventions requires the
availability of functioning health research infrastructures and increased research capacity in the
affected countries, as well as the willingness of affected populations to engage in research and
development activities. The region affected by the current EVD outbreak had very weak research and
health care delivery systems following years of civil conflict that left health infrastructures badly
damaged or destroyed. Since the outbreak started, existing research and health care services and
available human resources have been completely overwhelmed by the demand placed upon them. In
view of this, the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) and the Special
Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (WHO-TDR) have decided to launch a Call
for Proposals to cater for long-term solutions and capacity development around operational and other
clinical research during infectious disease outbreaks resulting in health emergencies. The UK Medical
Research Council (MRC UK) has also committed to participate in this joint initiative.
Overview of the Call for Proposals
The current research activities being conducted in the affected area are focused on the treatment,
prevention and containment of EVD. However, there is still a need for approaches that focus on
strengthening human and health system capacity, including developing approaches that address the
social nature of the emergency situation. This is a niche that will be addressed by this Call for
Proposals, which will support activities focusing on:
? Capacities of health care workers and laboratory personnel in the conduct of clinical trials in an
emergency context
? Health system and clinical trial site preparedness
? Ethics and regulatory issues in the management of research during emergencies
? Community and national health authority support and engagement
? Development of guidelines and policies to ensure the protection and safety of health care givers in
the handling of infective materials.
This Call for Proposals will complement, add value to and sustain the gains that have been achieved
during the current acute response. The work supported will instil long-term preparedness, not only for
EVD, but for any future emergencies that may be caused by outbreaks of other emerging infectious
diseases.
The outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa has catalysed a number of research and
development activities that are focused on delivering effective therapeutic, diagnostic and preventive
interventions. However, the successful testing and implementation of these interventions requires the
availability of functioning health research infrastructures and increased research capacity in the
affected countries, as well as the willingness of affected populations to engage in research and
development activities. The region affected by the current EVD outbreak had very weak research and
health care delivery systems following years of civil conflict that left health infrastructures badly
damaged or destroyed. Since the outbreak started, existing research and health care services and
available human resources have been completely overwhelmed by the demand placed upon them. In
view of this, the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) and the Special
Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (WHO-TDR) have decided to launch a Call
for Proposals to cater for long-term solutions and capacity development around operational and other
clinical research during infectious disease outbreaks resulting in health emergencies. The UK Medical
Research Council (MRC UK) has also committed to participate in this joint initiative.
Overview of the Call for Proposals
The current research activities being conducted in the affected area are focused on the treatment,
prevention and containment of EVD. However, there is still a need for approaches that focus on
strengthening human and health system capacity, including developing approaches that address the
social nature of the emergency situation. This is a niche that will be addressed by this Call for
Proposals, which will support activities focusing on:
? Capacities of health care workers and laboratory personnel in the conduct of clinical trials in an
emergency context
? Health system and clinical trial site preparedness
? Ethics and regulatory issues in the management of research during emergencies
? Community and national health authority support and engagement
? Development of guidelines and policies to ensure the protection and safety of health care givers in
the handling of infective materials.
This Call for Proposals will complement, add value to and sustain the gains that have been achieved
during the current acute response. The work supported will instil long-term preparedness, not only for
EVD, but for any future emergencies that may be caused by outbreaks of other emerging infectious
diseases.
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