Enhancing research capacities in infectious diseases: The GABRIEL network, a joint approach to major local health issues in developing countries

Low income countries seldom possess adequate means to effectively carry out rigorous epidemiological studies in the fight against infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis and Acute Lower Respiratory Infections. To do so, they require solid health infrastructures and qualified researchers trained in the latest laboratory techniques. Where international collaborative programs presently operate in developing countries, the sustainability of research practices often represents a major challenge. The lack of coordination and support between political decision makers and scientific experts also accounts for the inefficiency of existing programs. The GABRIEL network was therefore recently created by the Fondation Mérieux to help developing countries improve their research capacity for the detection, expertise, characterization, and surveillance of pathogens. The members of GABRIEL, being institutionally and geographically diverse, comprise laboratories, such as academic research laboratories, governmental institutions, and NGOs. GABRIEL's mission is to enhance health research capacity in developing countries by implementing sustainable research projects.