Why Conduct Clinical Research in Africa

Why conduct clinical research in Africa? Despite the region bearing a significantly higher disease burden, Africa has been marginalized from the mainstream scientific community. Africa presents a unique opportunity for groundbreaking advancements in scientific research, particularly in clinical research for new vaccines and treatments. McKinsey & Company estimates Africa’s pharmaceutical market size will grow to $65 billion by 2020.

Why Conduct Clinical Research in Africa?

Clinical research is essential in developing new medicines and treatments, and their impact can be felt worldwide. However, there is a significant need for clinical trials to be conducted in regions with high disease burdens, such as Africa.

The advantages of conducting clinical trials in Africa are vast and can have a far-reaching impact on healthcare provision and patient outcomes in the continent.

1. High Disease Burden

Clinical research in Africa can lead to progress in developing new medicines. The diverse population of Africa, with its varying genetic makeups, provides an excellent opportunity for studying the effectiveness of new treatments and vaccines. Additionally, the prevalence of infectious diseases, such as malaria, TB, and HIV, makes Africa an ideal location for clinical trials for new therapies for these indications.

2. Improving Infrastructure

Significant infrastructure developments have been on the ground, such as the construction of new rail and roadways, health facilities, and connections of more hospitals to the electricity grid. There are also medical equipment placement and leasing programs between governments and multinational companies such as GE Healthcare, which have provided sophisticated modern medical equipment to public referral hospitals. These developments have greatly improved the quality of healthcare provision in Africa and made it easier to conduct clinical trials.

3. Competitive Cost

Reducing the time and cost of clinical trials is crucial in today’s competitive market to launch new drugs. One significant incentive for conducting clinical research in Africa is the considerable economic advantages due to the lower cost of doing business. Africa is increasingly becoming a favored and cost-efficient destination for industry-sponsored clinical research, owing to competitive expenses such as clinical supplies, wages, and regulatory fees compared to developed nations. 

In conclusion, why conduct clinical trials in Africa?  Clinical trials in Africa can have a profound impact on the lives of millions of people around the world, and it is crucial that we continue to invest in this important area of medical research.

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