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This project was coordinated by the ICGEB and implemented in partnership with reference testing laboratories in Africa. ICGEB Member States, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria, have taken part in a pilot study to assess the efficacy of a novel diagnostic tool in diverse settings. Dr Joseph Fokam (TMA2015CDF1027) was the local PI in Cameroon.

This pilot study, performed during the period September 2020-May 2021, contributed to the accuracy in detecting SARS-CoV-2 in resource-limited settings. It evaluated the diagnostic performance of RT-LAMP in terms of intrinsic (sensitivity, specificity) and extrinsic (positive and negative predictive values) characteristics according to SARS-CoV-2 viral load estimates provided by the conventional RT-qPCR in four LMICs of Sub-Saharan Africa. Results from the study show that RT-LAMP represents a formidable alternative to RT-qPCR.  New England BioLabs freely contributed its LAMP technology to the study, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funded the project (INV – 022816).

To learn more about this exciting project visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-xSlulkN-4

On 10 April 2020, the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) launched a 5 million EUR call for proposals. The call aims to establish an African cohort of epidemiologists by supporting institutions in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe that develop such cadres through Master’s degree training in epidemiology and biostatistics.

Africa faces many challenges with its public health response to outbreaks - epidemiological data is often unavailable or severely limited; there is a shortage of skilled personnel and systems to collect and analyze available data, and efficiently translate this to inform policy and practice. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the severe shortages of the health research workforce, infrastructure and capacity for conducting research, as well as the capacity to develop drugs, vaccines, diagnostic tests and laboratory supplies in the African region.

The 10 successful projects (out of 45 applicants) will result in the training of a cohort of 150 epidemiologists recruited from across sub-Saharan Africa.
A network of 51 organisations are involved in the 10 successful projects - 42 organisations in West, East, Central and Southern regions of sub-Saharan Africa, 9 organisations in Europe. These 51 organisations include 24 leading universities in Europe and Africa, working in partnership with NPHIs, Ministries of Health, as well as other research and not for profit organisations.

https://www.edctp.org/news/edctp-africa-cdc-partner-train-highly-skilled-epidemiologists-biostatisticians-africa/

Applications are now open for the 2021 GACD Implementation Science School!

The School will take place online over seven days between 29 November and 10 December 2021.
This unique opportunity is perfect for early-career researchers working in NCD prevention and management – particularly those based in low- and middle-income countries – to build their knowledge, skills, and confidence in the field of implementation science.

Through expert-led lectures, small group sessions, facilitated group work, and panel discussions, participants will learn how to study and implement research findings into policy and practice, select and apply theories, models, and frameworks, and create a professional network for future collaborations.

Apply here: https://gacd.org/research/implementation-science-capacity-building/2021-gacd-implementation-science-school-online
Applications are open until 30 September 2021.

Recently released World Health Organization (WHO) guidance for best practices for clinical trials set a new standard for clinical research, placing participant and community engagement at the forefront to ensure trials meet public needs and build trust. Key updates focus on inclusive trial reforms, particularly for underrepresented groups like children, pregnant women, and older adults.
This guidance advocates for risk-based approaches rather than blanket regulations, emphasizing ethics, efficiency, and tailored oversight. WHO further provides practical recommendations for health and regulatory authorities to streamline and support clinical trials, backed by recommendations for sustained funding.
SFA Foundation through its  Clinical Research and Trials Community Programme and the World Health Organization (WHO) have planned a joint webinar for the African clinical research ecosystem players to explore these transformative guidelines and practical steps to align clinical trials with WHO standards and strengthen local research capacities.