Friday, 31 july 2009
€63 million from European Commission for research projects for Africa’s help
The European Commission launched a call for proposals entirely dedicated to research for Africa. Africa continues to face serious challenges to sustain its development and research can develop solutions. Up to €63 million will be allocated to research projects in 2010 aiming to improve health conditions, and water and food security in Africa.
The projects selected will aim to revitalise agriculture, promote more sustainable production systems and ensure food security. They will also address Africa's vulnerability to the expected climate change impacts by setting up early warning and forecasting systems to address risks such as droughts or vector-borne diseases.
The projects will focus on reducing the malaria disease burden, improving early diagnosis and treatment of the most frequent infection-related cancers, improving maternal and newborn health, assessing migrant health and addressing the shortage of healthcare personnel.
This special initiative for Africa will address some of the science and technology objectives included in the EU-Africa Strategic Partnership agreed on by the European Commission and the African Union Commission in December 2007.
On 18th September EU Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potočnik and a representative from the African Union will open the Information Day on the "Africa call".