The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has inaugurated a pilot certificate programme to strengthen Africa’s clinical research workforce, equipping mid-career physicians, pharmacists and other professionals with practical skills.
Africa CDC announced the initiative on Friday through its official X handle, stating that it would expand the continent’s pool of skilled researchers capable of leading clinical studies and advancing medical innovation.
Led by Africa CDC’s Science and Innovation Division, the programme aims to strengthen Africa’s capacity to develop vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, while improving research and development capabilities for outbreak preparedness and response.
The programme combines two weeks of academic instruction in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with eight-week practical placements at clinical research organisations in Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia.
The curriculum covers clinical trial implementation, research ethics, data management, pharmacovigilance, laboratory and translational research, scientific writing and grant development. It is designed to give participants practical knowledge and experience in planning, implementing and managing clinical research.
The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) and the Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa) will deliver the academic instruction, while selected partner organisations will provide the hands-on placements.
The initiative is expected to boost Africa’s capacity to lead clinical studies, strengthen research expertise, support medical innovation and improve the continent’s ability to develop health solutions and respond effectively to disease outbreaks.
