News

Introduction The twelfth EDCTP forum was held from June 15 to 20 in Kigali. The aim was to promote global health through policy debates, scientific workshops and networking, and brought together over 1,000 participants from Africa and Europe. UTI-Diag recently took part in the renowned EDCTP Forum—an essential gathering for health research stakeholders across Africa and Europe. The goal: to position the project within a fast-evolving ecosystem where innovation, digital health, and cross-border collaboration are becoming priorities. Showcasing UTI-Diag and Building Bridges Throughout the event, UTI-Diag was actively promoted through a vibrant exhibition booth featuring a looping project video, flyers, banners, and one-on-one engagement with visitors. More than 75 flyers were picked up by participants, indicating strong interest. In total, 41 strategic meetings were held with key figures from the European Union, Africa CDC, the African Medicines Agency (AMA), EDCTP, pharmacists’ associations, patient advocacy groups, and thought leaders in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A team lunch also helped strengthen cohesion among consortium members. A Model Beyond West Africa UTI-Diag’s approach resonated beyond its original scope. Countries like Zambia and Tanzania expressed interest in adapting a localized version of the project—proof of its relevance and its potential to address critical diagnostic challenges across the continent. Emerging Priorities in Focus Forum discussions emphasized a shift in research priorities toward non-communicable diseases (NCDs), digital health, AMR, data management, and the integration of social sciences. There was consensus: these dimensions must be embedded early in project design—not added later as peripheral activities. In this light, UTI-Diag stands out as a forward-thinking initiative. Tangible Outcomes and Future Directions One major result from the forum: a verbal agreement with the AMA to consider UTI-Diag as a pilot project for regulatory approval of diagnostic devices—an essential step toward market access. Looking Ahead The forum also shed light on future opportunities. Strengthening local capacities, particularly in Senegal, emerged as a key priority. This includes work around digital health, NCDs, AMR, and regulatory harmonization. With strong partnerships through IPD, Aviro, and Diatropix, UTI-Diag is well-positioned to take a leading role—especially in facilitating collaboration between Francophone and Anglophone regions in Africa.

Dakar, May 15, 2025 – The UTI-Diag project, a groundbreaking multisectoral initiative, officially launches with key objectives to: (i) improve the detection and management of urinary tract infections (UTIs); (ii) reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics and help fight antibiotic resistances (AMR) in human health; and (iii) enhance access, adoption, and implementation of novel diagnostic tools in low-resource settings. Funded by the European Union (via EDCTP3) and UK Research and Innovation, this collaborative effort brings together 11 partner organizations across Europe and Africa to address a growing public health challenge. UTIs affect millions worldwide, with antimicrobial resistance increasingly complicating treatment, particularly in low-resource settings. UTI-Diag aims to deliver rapid, accurate, and affordable diagnostic solutions, with a strong focus on sub-Saharan Africa and vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. Dr Amadou Sall, CEO of Institut Pasteur de Dakar, stated: “The UTI-Diag project embodies our commitment to advancing equitable access to diagnostics. By leveraging innovation and collaboration across borders, we are taking a decisive step toward improving the health of millions, particularly in regions where the burden of antimicrobial resistance and urinary tract infections is most acute.” The consortium includes public health institutions, researchers, health economists, non-profit organizations, and industry experts. Among them, the Pasteur Network and the Centre Pasteur du Cameroun play a key role in connecting research with local realities. Dr Mirdad Kazanji, CEO of Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, said: “In Cameroon, as in many other sub-Saharan African countries, the issue of rapid diagnosis of urinary tract infections is urgent. This project comes at the right time, enabling us to strengthen our response to these public health challenges.” The official kick-off meeting took place in Stockholm, Sweden, from April 24 to 25, 2025, hosted at Karolinska Institutet, the project’s coordinating institution. The meeting laid the groundwork for the consortium’s shared roadmap and work plan for the next 40 months. Professor Tobias Alfvén, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Coordinator of the UTI-Diag project, added: “This project was born out of a need identified in collaboration with partners across several African countries. Today, with the strength of a consortium of 11 organizations — each bringing its clinical or technical expertise — we are poised to make a real impact over the next years.” UTI-Diag aims to develop and deploy innovative diagnostic tools to improve patient care and combat antimicrobial resistance through better detection and management of UTIs. The UTI-Diag consortium partners are Karolinska Institutet (Sweden, Coordinator), Institut Pasteur de Dakar (Senegal), Centre Pasteur du Cameroun (Cameroon), Market Access Africa (South Africa), Aviro Med Design Pty Ltd (South Africa), Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (Germany), Capitainer AB (Sweden), Aidian Oy (Finland), Pasteur Network (France), University of Cumbria (UK) and Global Access Diagnostics (GADx) (UK). Press Contact / Interview Requests : Marie Vianey AfangbedjiSenior Communication Manager – Institut Pasteur de DakarEmail : marievianey.afangbedji@pasteur.snPhone : +221 77 835 46 43