Disease, pests and sustainable development: research in developing countries
The European Commission, DG XII, has approved 138 new projects under the specific programme for scientific and technical cooperation with developing countries (INCO-DC). A total of ECU 60 million will be allocated to these projects which will help fight malaria and other health problems, combat pests, and develop sustainable practices. The projects, put forward by Mrs. Edith Cresson, Commissioner responsible for research, education and training, fall into three main areas: - Malaria and other human parasitic diseases, and infectious, parasitic and other diseases affecting livestock in developing countries; - Genetic engineering to address the problem of crop viruses and develop integrated pest control for small-scale farmers; - Sustainable management of renewable natural resources. The health-related projects fit well with the Commission's Task Force on Vaccines and Viral Disease, whose mission is to take stock of the situation of European research in this field, and to propose a research action plan to improve the position of European industry and to draw maximum benefit from the potential offered by action on a European scale. Many of the diseases with potential to be fought with vaccinations are more prevalent in developing countries. It is, therefore, essential that European scientists work together with scientists from these countries, especially with regard to field trials in these countries. Problems of sustainable development and pest control are just as relevant for European countries as for developing countries.