Govt collaborates with Netherlands, Sweden for research prog on HIV/AIDS

The programme aims to harness complementary research strengths and diverse expertise across India, The Netherlands and Swede to address the burgeoning global epidemic of HIV

The government has collaborated with Netherlands and Sweden for a research programme on HIV/AIDS, said Bruno Bruins, Minister of Medical Care, Netherlands.

The announcement about the Collaborative Research Program on HIV/AIDS between India, The Netherlands and Sweden was made at an event held in New Delhi today.

The programme aims to harness complementary research strengths and diverse expertise across the three nations to catalyse the development of better tools in order to understand and address the burgeoning global epidemic of HIV, a statement said.

“The inspiring projects announced, highlight the affordability and accessibility of healthcare. It is a theme where our countries have excellent opportunities for innovative partnerships,” Bruins said at the event.

“By partnering together, we can help address the global challenge of rapidly rising healthcare costs, address unmet needs and open new markets together,” he said.

The collaboration would involve various government and non-government institutions in India, including the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), and International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) along with Erasmus Medical Centre in The Netherlands, and Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

“This partnership aligns with our mandate to elevate Indian bioscience on the global stage through innovative and cross-cutting partnerships,” said Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology.

“Im very certain that joint research by scientists on each side would support generation of new science and knowledge to reinforce the global fight against HIV/AIDS and cater to the emerging challenges in HIV prevention and research,” Swarup said.

Over an initial partnership period of five years, the programme would strengthen and enhance disease research capabilities and enable technology transfer between the partnering countries.