New African-led health R&D network launched to increase innovation and access to medicines

Abstract

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are joining forces to establish an African-owned and governed initiative to promote innovation for the development of pharmaceuticals and other products to meet the health needs of the continent. The African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI) is organized to build research capacity on the continent and link biomedical innovation to development and public health. "This marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to support African-led science to generate innovation for health and produce health products that address the important health problems in the Region," said Dr Luis Sambo, Regional Director of the African Region of the World Health Organization (WHO).