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above, have contributed to the resolution of many of these challenges. The opportunity accorded by the Mali ICER for Malian researchers to conduct and publish relevant scientific work in first class facilities, and to receive ongoing support and training, has limited the loss of skilled scientists to other organizations and has helped address issues related to retention of staff and long-term sustainability. Results and/or achievements (whether goals have been met or progress towards goals): Scientific Achievements: Collaborative research activities have included malaria vaccine research, clinical, and field-based research on malaria, malaria vectors, and pathogenesis. Multiple malaria vaccine trials have been conducted with the results of the first trials published in 2006 and 2007. Other research collaborations include laboratory and clinical research on immunology and biology of HIV, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis and research on other parasitic diseases and their vectors, including Leishmaniasis, filariasis and relapsing fever. These collaborative studies have resulted in more than 100 peer-reviewed research articles that have been published in leading journals such as Science, Nature, the New England Journal of Medicine, and Lancet. Impact on Health Policy and Programs: The Mali ICER Program and its affiliate scientists collaborate with several national programs in Mali to have an impact on the country's health policies and programs: = The MRTC/ICER serves as the primary research and training arm of the National Malaria Control Program in Mali =" The Geographic Information System (GIS) team predicts malaria epidemics and sends information to decision makers at the Ministry of Health (MOH) = MRTC/ICER and NIAID, in cooperation with the MOH, USAID, and the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), are developing strategies for reduction of malaria transmission. = The Mali ICER HIV/TB program collaborates with the National TB Program in training and technical and laboratory support =" The Mali ICER provides support for the National Program for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis to help monitor interruption of transmission = ICER-supported research has resulted in introduction of a skin test to describe the epidemiology and inform national policy on control of cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Capacity Building/Infrastructure Development: The Mali ICER Program has established and maintains a significant number of state-of-the-art research laboratories and facilities that perform research in the following areas: Vaccine Development, Drug Resistance, Core Clinical Laboratory, HIV/TB laboratories (including a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory), Medical Entomology, Malaria Immunology and Pathogenesis, Filariasis, Leismaniasis, and Vector Informatics. The MRTC/ICER has developed the capacity to apply Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to studies of malaria epidemiology and the impact of vaccines on target populations. Studies using remote sensing information and climate prediction are aimed at predicting future malaria outbreaks. The ICER also has developed comprehensive support facilities that include a library with conference space and international videoconferencing capability; sophisticated and reliable telecommunications and computer networking capabilities; administrative and storage facilities and a freezer repository; a guest house and a motor pool. Malaria vaccine trials are conducted at well-established and staffed clinical research field sites in Bandiagara, Doneguebougou, and Bancoumana. Training: Since the beginning of the program in Mali, the NIH has cooperated in the training of Malian students in Mali, in the United States, and at various Canadian and European research centers. The ICER has provided a unique venue for training scientists from the United States and other countries. For example, from 1999 to 2003, the NIH Office of Minority and Women's Health through the NIH Fogarty International Center and in collaboration with the University of Maryland School of Medicine provided training opportunities for U.S. undergraduate, graduate, and medical students that involved 2 to 12 months of experience in Mali. The launch of the SEREFO project has brought together physicians and researchers from Mali and the United States to study HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis and to provide training for African scientists. Lessons Learned (actual and potential):