Since September 2024, Pharmalys have conducted a series of capacity-building training sessions across four clinical research sites in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Led by Mr. Assane Ndiaye and Mrs. Aissatou Ndour, the programme focused on equipping site staff with essential knowledge in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Documentation Practice (GDP), and Data Integrity. This initiative forms a critical component of the preparatory efforts for the upcoming Phase 2b clinical trials on Lassa fever, funded by CEPI with trial-specific oversight by IAVI.
The training took place at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Kenema Government Hospital, and Owo Federal Hospital. Each session was conducted in a workshop format, blending in-person and online participation. On average, 70 participants attended each site, including principal investigators, sub-investigators, study coordinators, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory staff, data managers, institutional ethics committees members, and community engagement teams – all of whom play key roles in clinical research implementation.
Enhancing Research Competency Through Interactive Training
The programme was designed to strengthen the ability of site teams to conduct high-quality clinical trials while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and prioritising participant safety and data integrity. The training content was presented in person through face-to-face presentations, interactive discussions, and breakout sessions (group assignments), allowing participants to engage in case studies and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
A key feature of the programme was the use of an online polling platform for knowledge assessments. This enabled real-time evaluation of participants’ understanding, encouraged active participation, installed healthy competition, and facilitated discussions on key concepts. Sessions were recorded for future reference, and participants who successfully completed the training received certificates of completion.
Participants’ Reflections on the Training
Feedback from participants highlighted the effectiveness and quality of the training. Over 63% strongly agreed that the purpose of the training was clearly communicated, and nearly 90% found the content easy to follow or agreed it was clear. Trainers Aissatou and Assane were particularly well-received, with two-thirds of respondents strongly agreeing that presenters responded effectively to questions. The atmosphere was described as dynamic and engaging, with participants appreciating the interactive format and collaborative learning environment. While some noted that the sessions were long, the suggestion was made to break the training into smaller modules for future editions to support better knowledge retention.
Building Sustainable Research Capacity in Africa
Pharmalys remains committed to supporting the development of local expertise in clinical research, ensuring that African researchers and institutions are equipped to conduct high-quality and impactful studies according to international standards. Initiatives such as this capacity-building programme are instrumental in creating a more inclusive and equitable clinical research landscape.
Watch the video below to hear Aissatou and Assane reflect on the training at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria and share their key takeaways. This video was created by Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AEFUTHA).
Thank you to CEPI, IAVI, and all stakeholders involved in making this programme a success. Pharmalys looks forward to further collaborations to strengthen clinical research capacity and advance health research initiatives across the continent. #CountAfricaIn
For more information about capacity building at Pharmalys, click here or contact us.
