This node’s main objective is to build capacity in TB-HIV clinical research especially to fill in the gaps of the first phase of CANTAM. Also, to strengthen operational network among the central African Regional Institutions working to improve research on this node.

• The CANTAM2 main activity of this node is to assess and compare the prevalence, severity and prognosis of anti-TB drugs induced hepatotoxicity (DIH) in HIV positive and HIV negative individuals.
• Also aims to genetically characterized drugs sensitive and drug resistant strains of mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• The node targets capacity building in TB-HIV clinical research and operational links, and affiliation among Central African region working to ameliorate TB-HIV and comorbidities with pathogens and virus. The node well strive to work with institution that have advanced skills and networking with those of lesser strength to form a balance consortium capacity.
• One of the aims will be to create “Virtual Network for African Vaccines”. This is to fill gaps through the four EDCTP networks of excellence (NoE) so that we can have a geographical impact with one of these NoE playing a lead role at a later time.

This activities will be achieved through

• Studies in public health facilities in the RoC, Cameroon and Gabon through a retrospective evaluation of clinical hepatic safety.
• The node will investigate drug-drug interaction(HIV plus TB cohort)
• Short and long term training opportunities (both professional and academic) offered within the network.
• Networking within and between institutions of the central African region and northern partners. The node will build capacity in terms of human resources, infrastructures and competence in carrying out clinical trials e.g. UCL and Zambia ( Nerpe. Z)