It is recognised that research must be a basis for better health throughout Africa (e.g. Global Ministerium Forum on Research for Health, Bamako 2008, Beijing declaration 2008). As a consequence It is a priority to build research capacities in the African continent that will set good standards for development of improved health security and systems in the future. In several African countries western medicine is not widely available, and WHO has recognised the role of traditional medicine and its practitioners in primary health care. The overall objective of this project is to create sustainable research capacity and research networks between the participants in Africa ( Mali, South Africa and Uganda) collaborating neighbouring institutions, and the European project participants to obtain improved health in Africa. In order to reach this goal we will identify needs and develop and deliver research training programmes. The research institutions from Africa taking part in this project will have implemented research methodologies so that they are able to improve traditional medicines, identify bio-active compounds, and clinically evaluate and register medicinal products that are used for treatment of illnesses that are frequent in African countries.