The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is pleased to announce the appointment of distinguished experts to the Advisory Committee for the Cross Pharma Capacity Development Initiative (CPCDI).

"The formation of the Advisory Committee marks a major milestone for the CPCDI initiative. This distinguished group of experts will provide the strategic guidance and support needed to ensure that our efforts are impactful and sustainable. Together, we will work to build the capacity necessary to bring more clinical trials to Africa, ultimately improving health outcomes for millions of people across the continent," said Caxton Murira, Programme Lead for the Clinical Research and Trials Community (CRTC).

The members of the Advisory Committee are experts from diverse disciplines, each bringing unique perspectives and insights that will be crucial in addressing the pressing questions that the CPDI, which is implemented under the Clinical Research and Trial Community (CRTC) programme of the SFA Foundation, seeks to answer. Their contributions will help prioritise critical areas for capacity development, align these with identified gaps, and ensure that the legal, ethical, and strategic considerations are comprehensively addressed.

Why CPCDI is Vital for Africa
Africa, despite carrying 25% of the global disease burden and home to 15% of the global population, hosts less than 4% of the world’s clinical trials. This disparity is driven by a multitude of factors, including gaps in clinical research capacity, complex regulatory environment, insufficient regional patient and disease data, and a lack of visibility of existing research capabilities. By uniting local and sector partners, the initiative seeks to develop and strengthen clinical trial capacity, promote collaboration, and increase the visibility of African clinical research capabilities. Through this, CPCDI aims to transform the landscape of clinical research and trials in Africa, ultimately bringing more trials to the continent and ensuring better health outcomes for African patients.
 
"The Cross Pharma Capacity Development Initiative (CPCDI) represents a transformative opportunity for Africa's healthcare landscape. By enhancing clinical trial capacity and fostering collaboration among local and international stakeholders, we are not only addressing a critical gap in healthcare but also empowering African researchers and institutions to lead in developing solutions tailored to our unique health challenges. This initiative is essential for ensuring equitable access to innovative treatments, ultimately improving health outcomes for millions across the continent. It is more than just an initiative; it is a commitment to building a sustainable future for clinical research in Africa,” said Dr Evelyn Gitau, Chief Scientific Officer- SFA Foundation.
 
Role of the Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee will be pivotal in steering the CPCDI initiative towards its ambitious goals by:

• Industry Insights: Incorporate input from industry partners to inform the ongoing enhancement of the clinical trials ecosystem in Africa, shaping the future of the initiative.
• As Ambassadors: Act as visible champions of the CPCDI, both within Africa and on the global stage, ensuring broad recognition and support for the initiative.
• Strategic Direction: Offer invaluable insights during the critical phases of the initiative, from initiation to collaboration between clinical research stakeholders and pharmaceutical industry partners.
• Validating Monitoring and Evaluation: Guide the development of monitoring and evaluation parameters, ensuring that the CPCDI's objectives are clear, success measures are defined, and milestones are achievable. This will maximise the initiative's impact on building clinical trial capacity in Africa.

Intended Impact
The CPCDI aims to sustainably increase the number of clinical trials conducted in Africa by building local capacity, fostering collaboration across sectors, increasing visibility of African research, addressing critical gaps, and improving patient access to new treatments. Guided by its newly appointed Advisory Committee, the initiative is poised to advance healthcare, drive innovation, and improve lives across the continent.
 
Dr Allan Pamba, Chair of the Advisory Committee and Executive Vice-President Africa, Roche Diagnostics, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, "The CPCDI represents a unique opportunity to change the status quo of clinical trials in Africa. In my capacity as Chair of this Advisory Committee, I offer my assistance in coordinating our joint actions so that sufficient support is provided to the secretariat and the aims of this initiative in terms of capacity development and strengthening the ability to conduct clinical research of international quality in Africa can be achieved. This initiative is not only aimed at increasing the number of trials, but also to seeking to empower Africa’s institutions and its researchers to take charge of the health solutions that we need the most.” 
 
Read more about them here: https://scienceforafrica.foundation/cross-pharma-capacity-development-initiative

Media Enquiries
Davies Mbela | [email protected]