Solomon Nwaka from the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) at the World Health Organization and colleagues discuss ANDI, the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation, which is intended to help stimulate health research and development on the African continent.
They discuss the current challenges and the urgent need for a novel approach to support health product research and development (R&D) and access in Africa. Successful implementation of such an endeavor requires sustainable capacity, infrastructure, funding, leadership, and an understanding of the status of health R&D in the African continent, say the authors.
Funding: The work is supported by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization. The funder played no role in the decision to submit the article or in its preparation.
Competing Interests: JDS, ERV, DH, and RDV are paid consultants by WHO/TDR in the development of the strategic business plan for ANDI. TBI is a member of Pfizer's Emerging Markets Customer Advisory Board.
Citation: Nwaka S, Ilunga TB, Da Silva JS, Rial Verde E, Hackley D, et al. (2010) Developing ANDI: A Novel Approach to Health Product R&D in Africa. PLoS Med 7(6): e1000293. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000293
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CONTACT:
Solomon Nwaka
WHO
Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases
20 Avenue Appia
Geneva, Geneva 1211
Switzerland
+41227913767
nwakas@who.int
PLOS Medicine