Strengthening and expanding capacities in clinical trials: advancing pandemic prevention, preparedness and response in Africa
Nicaise Ndembi, Tadesse T. Mekonen, Morẹ́nikẹ́ Oluwátóyìn Foláyan, Nebiyu Dereje, Adriaan Kruger, Joseph Fokam, Elvis Temfack, Tajudeen Raji, Jean B. Nachega, Yap Boum, Trevor A. Crowell, Ngashi Ngongo, Souleymane Mboup, Francine Ntoumi, Glaudina Loots, Michael Makanga, Samba O. Sow, Salim S. Abdool Karim, John Nkengasong
Abstract
Enhancing the clinical trial capabilities within Africa is essential to augment the continent’s pandemic prevention, preparedness and response efforts. Here, we describe the critical challenges of clinical trials in Africa and draw upon the lessons learnt from the Consortium for COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials (CONCVACT) experience, such as the importance of regional collaboration, capacity building and establishing standardized protocols.