Clinical Trial Capacity in East Africa: A Pilot Survey

Abstract

More than 200 medical practitioners and clinical researchers in 82 clinical care and research centers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda responded to a survey on the status of clinical research in East Africa. The results showed that: (1) human capacity for clinical research exists but needs strengthening; (2) research is hampered by nonexistent or poor facilities and by unclear regulations and ethical procedures; (3) medical practitioners in most remote sites are overwhelmed with large numbers of patients and are isolated from research activities; and (4) above all, lack of political will, funding, and sponsor interest are major obstacles to clinical research. Recommended priorities for preparing the region for clinical trials should be: regional harmonization of regulatory affairs, ethical procedures, and a Good Clinical Practice guideline; public education; and community outreach programs. Lastly, capacity building efforts in clinical monitoring, research site coordination, data management, and biostatistics should be undertaken immediately in order to meet the demand over the next decade.