Project: African coaLition for Epidemic Research, Response and Training
| Acronym | ALERRT (Reference Number: RIA2016E-1612) |
| Duration | 01/12/2017 - 30/11/2022 |
| Project Topic | ALERRT (African coaLition for Epidemic Research, Response and Training) combines the strengths of leading African and European partners in (Re-)emerging and Epidemic-Prone Infectious Diseases (REPID) clinical research, preparedness and response. It builds on efforts by the EDCTP Networks of Excellence WANETAM, CANTAM and EACCR, and internationally well-embedded research and training partners with extensive operational experience in outbreak preparedness and response, and the associated challenges in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The purpose of ALERRT is to reduce the public health and socio-economic impact of REPID in SSA. This will be achieved by building a sustainable clinical and laboratory research preparedness and response network, with the operational readiness to rapidly implement clinical and laboratory research in support of REPID control efforts at local, regional and international level. In support of this purpose, we have formulated the following objectives: 1. To establish a sustainable multidisciplinary, patient-centred clinical research network across SSA that can design and rapidly implement ICH-compliant high-quality, large-scale, multi-site clinical studies in preparation for and response to REPID threats in SSA. The network will run inter-epidemic ‘warm-base’ clinical studies and develop new research methods and tools that are robust to the uncertainties of REPID; 2. To establish a laboratory network with the capabilities to provide integrated support to clinical research in preparation for and response to REPID threats in SSA. This will include mechanisms for diagnostic outreach, bio-banking, and platforms for the evaluation of new diagnostic technologies; 3. To develop and implement a scalable, GCP-compliant, robust data management/ICT infrastructure, with supporting systems and tools suitable for resource-poor settings in SSA. 4. To establish a ‘response framework’ that alleviates administrative, regulatory and ethical bottlenecks and ensures ALERRT can act swiftly to initiate fit-for-purpose clinical and laboratory research in varying settings within SSA in case of actual REPID threats. 5. To enhance and maintain the operational research capacity and quality of the ALERRT network by developing and implementing a tailored training and capacity development programme and ‘Communities of Practice’; 6. To ensure that the actions of the network are relevant to and accepted and supported by local communities, and that the results of the networks’ efforts have a sustainable impact on the health of communities and patients through improved clinical practice and public health policy. 7. To establish ALERRT as a sustainable SSA network that is linked to international networks and that synergises with, and contributes to, global health-security efforts. |
| Network | EDCTP2 |
| Call | Research and clinical management of patients in PRD epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa |