TESA II

Description

Africa is the continent that concentrates the majority of low resource countries in the world. Beyond the limitations of fragile health systems, most African countries lack well established research platforms, which could contribute to address some of the key health related knowledge gaps and inform health policy. In addition, these countries are the ones enduring the highest burden of disease by infectious diseases (malaria, HIV, tuberculosis).

In particular, Southern Africa is the most affected region in the world in terms of TB incidence rate and HIV prevalence, and although malaria incidence rates are decreasing, the global burden of malaria in most countries in Southern Africa is considerable. Within this specific context, TESA is a network of excellence that aims to develop, strengthen and expand clinical research capacities in the Southern Region of Africa for conducting clinical trials with the highest research standards on those infectious diseases responsible for the highest morbidity and mortality in the region.

With TESA, 16 institutions from 9 African and 4 European countries come together to strengthen and enhance the capacities for clinical research in Southern Africa and increase the collaboration and networking activities among its members.

To achieve this, TESA focuses on strengthening the capacities among partner sites in Southern Africa, promoting professional development and scientific leadership and fostering collaborations to maximize impact. TESA develops specific activities aiming to increase researchers critical mass devoted to health, develop first class institutions engaging clinical trials to prevent poverty-related diseases and promote dialogue between researches, communities and policy makers.