Tosin Oyediran
Global health researchers have urged Africans to embrace clinical trials, emphasising their vital role in addressing local health challenges and boosting economic opportunities.
Ahead of the 2024 Impact Africa Summit in Lagos, the group of experts highlighted the need to create a robust and sustainable clinical trial ecosystem in Sub-Saharan Africa.
They noted that this would enable the region to tackle diseases prevalent among its populations, attract global investment, and establish itself as a significant player in international health research.
In a press release on Wednesday, the organisers stressed that the summit will bring together researchers, healthcare practitioners, and policymakers to develop concrete strategies for advancing clinical trials in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“The Impact Africa Summit is dedicated to unlocking the potential of clinical trials in Africa,” the statement read, describing the event as “a platform to set actionable goals for an empowered African health sector.”
A project manager at Xcene Research, Dr Faramola Ogunkoya, explained the importance of the summit.
Ogunkoya said, “We must expand Africa’s role within the global pharmaceutical value chain by including Sub-Saharan Africa in clinical trials.
“This summit is a critical step toward a healthier, more inclusive future through fostering partnerships and shared solutions.”
Ogunkoya stressed that “clinical trials not only pave the way for tailored medical solutions for Africans but also enable us to contribute meaningfully to global healthcare innovation.”
Meanwhile, the convener of the Impact Africa Summit, Adebukunola Telufusi, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the summit’s role as a catalyst for the region’s clinical trial landscape.
“By fostering local partnerships and encouraging active collaboration, we can cultivate an environment that advances medical research and ultimately enhances healthcare outcomes across African communities,” she stated.
“Incorporating Africa into the clinical trial landscape will attract significant investment, create jobs, and boost the local economy,” she said.
“Clinical trials could be a game-changer for healthcare in Africa, and the time to act is now,” added Telufusi.
According to the organisers, the summit themed ‘Expanding the Pharmaceutical Value Chain through Inclusion of Sub-Saharan Africa in Global Clinical Trials’ will feature a range of workshops, symposiums, and market exchange forums.
“These sessions will address key topics such as haematology, nephrology, regulatory affairs, clinical operations, and patient advocacy.
“The event aims to bridge gaps in health equity and promote evidence-based healthcare interventions,” the statement further read.
The summit’s agenda has drawn attention across sectors, with Dr Tunde Balogun, a prominent healthcare economist, also noting the economic potential of clinical trials in Africa.
PUNCH Online reports that the Impact Africa Summit is expected to have participants from across the continent and beyond.
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