Africa continues to grapple with a complex health landscape, marked by a dual burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases, compounded by systemic vulnerabilities and emerging global threats. While considerable progress has been achieved in recent decades, the region still faces mounting challenges from antimicrobial resistance, climate change and limited access to safe, effective medicines. In this context, the collaboration between the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) takes on critical significance. A recent meeting of EU agencies and directorates reaffirmed the importance of supporting Africa's health priorities through equitable, well-structured and impactful research partnerships. This joint endeavour aims not only to address health inequities but also to foster a more resilient global health ecosystem.
A Framework for Health-Oriented Cooperation
The EU–Africa partnership operates within the framework of the EU Global Health Strategy, which defines three core priorities: improving health and wellbeing across the life course, strengthening health systems and universal coverage, and responding to pandemics via a One Health approach. Public health also features as a central pillar of the AU–EU Innovation Agenda. These initiatives are integral to the broader Global Gateway, which promotes strategic investments in international health collaboration with a strong African focus. The success of these strategies hinges on a comprehensive view of the research and development (R&D) lifecycle—from the creation of medical interventions to their regulation, deployment and adoption within communities. Ensuring sustainability and inclusiveness in this process requires integrated action from public and private stakeholders. These actors are responsible for enhancing governance frameworks, bolstering public trust and enabling a conducive environment for innovation.
Building Capacity and Strengthening Systems
The effectiveness of EU health initiatives in Africa lies in their commitment to equity and capacity-building. Central to this is the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), which exemplifies equitable research partnerships by involving African stakeholders in agenda-setting and leadership. These collaborations recognise historical disparities in infrastructure, workforce and funding that continue to limit the continent’s scientific and manufacturing capabilities. In response, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships has supported regulatory harmonisation and local manufacturing through the development of the African Medicines Agency and the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator. These efforts aim to leave a lasting legacy by establishing a robust scientific base, reducing external dependence and increasing regional innovation and production. Importantly, the EU’s actions help build the intellectual capital necessary for Africa to address its own health priorities, while contributing to broader economic development and resilience.
Aligning Structures and Fostering Synergies
The vast scope of EU engagement in global health necessitates strategic alignment and coordination among its multiple bodies. Joint undertakings such as the EDCTP3 and the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) play pivotal roles in advancing clinical trials, digital health, regulatory science and solutions for non-communicable diseases. The IHI, for instance, has committed substantial funding to address multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Meanwhile, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) actively supports regulatory capacity in Africa and collaborates with the World Health Organisation to accelerate approvals of new interventions. Notably, the EMA has issued scientific opinions on products developed with EU support, including treatments for parasitic infections and sleeping sickness. These examples underscore the importance of coherence and complementarity among EU programmes. Recent workshops have promoted steps to develop unified agendas on key health areas, minimise duplication, enhance efficiency and elevate awareness of EU activities. New thematic priorities outlined in the EDCTP3 2025 Work Programme reflect these discussions and serve as early steps toward deeper integration and broader impact.
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The Europe–Africa health partnership represents a strategic, ethical and practical response to global health challenges. By embedding equity in partnerships, fostering sustainable R&D environments and enhancing access to lifesaving innovations, the EU is helping to shape a future in which African countries can lead on their own health priorities. These efforts not only benefit Africa but also reinforce EU competitiveness and strengthen global health security. In a world marked by rising health threats and growing disparities, collaborative and inclusive models such as this offer a blueprint for meaningful, sustainable change.
Source: The Lancet Global Health
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