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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The National Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training domiciled at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja-NCESRTA) has empowered over 400 doctors with skills and capacity for improved clinical trials on Sickle Cell Diseases (SCDs).
Prof Obiageli Nnodu, the Director of UniAbuja-NCESRTA, told journalists at the opening ceremony of the intensive 12-week programme sponsored by IQVIA in collaboration with Bio Ventures for Global Health, that it was designed to answer some questions of the doctors regarding the clinical trials, and also equip them with requisite skills for advanced opportunities.
She said: “In keeping with the World Health Organization (WHO) global action plan for the prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which include SCD, the UniAbuja-NCESRTA has been involved in skills development in the diagnosis, multi-disciplinary management of SCDs, genetic counselling, database management and research.
“Clinical trials of new therapies for SCDs are beginning to trickle into the country, bolstered by the recognized status of Nigeria as a sickle cell disease high burden country. Therefore, it is imperative to deepen the knowledge and expertise of researchers in-country to participate in clinical trials towards the delivery of effective patient-centred care.
“There will be virtual weekly sessions facilitated by renowned experts in clinical trial comprising specialists, regulatory and finance persons. The rich curriculum with emphasis on practical aspects will be delivered in an interactive format with the best performing participants coming to NCESRTA for an observership on clinical trials.
“During the sickle cell awareness month of September 2025, we aim to scale up the number of the Sickle Pan Africa Research Consortium (SPARC-NET) sites which can participate in international clinical trials to improve SCD patient care and management.”
She explained that SPARC-Net is a network focused on sickle cell disease research and management in Africa, with a Nigerian network comprising 25 healthcare centres, and a hub at the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA) in Abuja.
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“The Nigerian network is part of a larger Sickle Pan Africa Research Consortium (SPARCo) that includes collaborative sites in Ghana and a hub in Tanzania, and the project’s goals are to create a web-based patient database for research, develop and implement management guidelines for sickle cell disease in Sub-Saharan Africa, and provide training,” she added.
Prof Nnodu stated that participants would be trained to understand the fundamental concepts of clinical research and trials; differentiate between the various phases of clinical trials; appreciate the ethical, regulatory, and scientific framework of clinical trials; describe the role of stakeholders in the clinical research process; and understand the design, conduct, and reporting of clinical trials.
“We are excited to work with IQVIA, a leading global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services to the life sciences industry and Bio Ventures for Global Health to deliver this training.
“One other expected outcome of the workshop is a paper describing the gaps & challenges of conducting clinical trials in resource-poor regions; practical experience from ongoing trials at NCESRTA & other SPARC-NET Sites,” she added.
Dr Kwafu Marfo, Africa Market Development Specialist, IQVIA, in his remarks, said his organisation is committed to providing quality analytical services to Africans in terms of medical research and services.
He congratulated the participants and urged them to make good use of the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge that would prepare them for opportunities ahead.
Dr Beno Nyam Yakubu, Head of Clinical Trial at NAFDAC, appreciated UniAbuja-NCESRTA and their partners for the innovation, and assured that NAFDAC is committed to any cause that will bring sanity and clarity in the food and drugs administration in Nigeria.
