Science for Africa Foundation

The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation), through its Clinical Research and Trials Community Programme (CRTC), aimed at creating a sustainable clinical trials ecosystem in #Africa, and the World Health Organization (WHO) will be hosting a webinar to discuss the latest WHO Guidance for Best Practices for Clinical trials. The webinar will discuss how these best practices create a sustainable framework for Africa’s #clinical trials ecosystem and enhance the quality of evidence on health interventions. We invite clinical researchers, stakeholders, and all interested in advancing clinical research in #Africa to join us and learn how this guidance can support the delivery of high-quality trials.  Register here: https://bit.ly/4fcILWM Read more about the WHO guidelines here: https://bit.ly/3UIK4US Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi Ethiopia Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), Vasee Moorthy John Amuasi Evelyn Gitau Heran Gerba #ClinicalTrials #ResearchImpact #WHO #SFAFoundation #AfricaResearch #ClinicalResearch 

Together, we can make a meaningful impact on clinical research in Africa. It is such a privilege to be part of the journey with Miriam Karinja Caxton M. #CTCAN #DEI #HealthEquity https://lnkd.in/eNCrRt8s

📢 Exciting news from the #CTCAN project! 📰 Global Health EDCTP3-funded project CTCAN just launched its #newsletter! ℹ️ The project's main goal is to improve coordination and sustainability in #ClinicalTrials in #Africa through: 🔹 Network alignment, raising awareness about available facilities. 🔹 Streamlining regulatory processes. 🔹 Promoting knowledge sharing across regions. 📈 CTCAN serves as a valuable platform that consolidates information needed to boost #pandemic preparedness and bolsters clinical #research efforts. Stay tuned for updates and check out the project's newsletter below 👇 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d7tujn5u ------------ European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership Africa CDC EU Science, Research and Innovation Irene Norstedt Science for Africa Foundation nuvoteQ.io BIO Ventures for Global Health The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson Fondation Mérieux Janssen Research & Development, LLC Medicines Development for Global Health

We're thrilled to announce the launch of the Clinical Trials Community Africa Network (CTCAN) Inaugural Newsletter! 🔊 🔊 This publication is designed to keep the clinical trial community in Africa connected and informed about our ongoing efforts to create a coordinated and sustainable clinical trial ecosystem on the continent.  In this Issue: 📖 Insights into CTCAN's work packages and milestones  🔔 Highlights of recent achievements and activities  🖋 Updates on partnerships and stakeholder engagements Together, we can make a meaningful impact on clinical trials research in #Africa. Read more: https://bit.ly/3YkCBws   Global Health EDCTP3 BIO Ventures for Global Health  , The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson , Fondation Mérieux , nuvoteQ.io , Medicines Development for Global Health European Union

♀ Women’s Health on the Local & Global Agenda: It’s Time for Change! 🔄 In one of the busiest election year on record, where the world will see nearly half its population heading to the polls, imagine this: majority of 2024 voters back visionary leaders pledging action on climate, poverty, and—yes—women’s health. Campaigns buzz with manifestos and promises of improved reproductive health, HIV prevention, and access to essential services, creating a fairer, healthier world for women and girls. But here’s the stark reality: #WomensHealth still struggles to find its place on the agenda, despite its obvious role in social and economic progress. 💡 A purpose-drive Champion, Innovator & Science Leader Our latest #ConnectingTheDotsPodcast episode dives into an insightful conversation with a passionate women’s health champion, Professor Jo-Ann Passmore. Prof Passmore is a Medical Scientist at the University of Cape Town, vmrc4africa and a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Science for Africa Foundation #CalestousJumaScienceLeadershipFellow. This Month, Passmore hosted a first of its kind global symposium at the University of Cape Town - the #AfricanMicrobiomes, specifically #VaginalMicrobiome, in health and disease symposium. 🔬 Why the Vaginal Microbiome Matters If you've never heard of #VaginalMicrobiome, pull a seat! Prof Passmore reveals the importance of the vaginal microbiome, which she likens to a “lush garden” of good harmonious bacteria crucial to women’s health. When this balance is disrupted, “weeds” (bad bacteria) take over, leading to bacterial vaginosis (BV). This common yet under-discussed infection left undiagnosed and untreated, raises the risk of HIV, STIs, and poor pregnancy outcomes (preterm babies, infertility etc.). Shockingly, African microbiomes are missing from global research, meaning diagnostics and treatments are less effective for millions. ⚡ Novelty, Efficiency and Accessibility in Women's healthcare One of the most exciting innovations Passmore discusses is a groundbreaking self-testing solution for BV, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), offering women an accessible, empowering way to take charge of their health. 🚀✨ Prof Passmore is an African gem leading research that includes diverse populations to develop better treatments for BV that will no doubt transform women’s health worldwide. Why read more when you can hear the detail from Prof Passmore herself. Catch this episode for the full scoop on how Prof Passmore is working tirelessly to close the gap and join us in raising awareness and making women’s health a priority! It doesn't start or stop at the ballot boxes! #ScienceLeaders #SexualandReproductiveHealth #CTDPodAfrica 🗣 Keep the conversation going, share widely! Let us know what you enjoyed on the episode and tag us on Instagram, YouTube and X @CTPodAfrica 🎧 Listen to Prof Jo-Ann Passmore's episode on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dsjEkmr7

Climate change poses an existential threat to global development, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations, particularly women. Addressing the intersection of climate, health, and adaptation is paramount to safeguarding the well-being of communities worldwide. By funding research in this critical area, the @GrandChallenges network of partners empowers scientists and innovators to develop solutions that protect the most vulnerable populations and build resilience in the face of a changing climate. #ClimateAction #GlobalHealth #Innovation #GenderEquality #SustainableDevelopment Foundation S Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) Grand Challenges Canada

I had the opportunity to share insights on climate change and the Science for Africa Foundation interventions at the Africa Climate & Health Conference in Zimbabwe. Climate change doesn’t just affect our environment; it touches every part of our lives, from mental health and poverty to migration, peace, and conflict. The stakes are high, and we all feel the urgency. But there’s a clear takeaway: we need to act now. Too often, we spend 90% of our resources on planning and only 10% on execution. This imbalance leaves critical goals, like the Sustainable Development Goals, lagging behind, with fewer than 20% of targets expected to be met by 2030. As Peter Singer, former CEO of Grand Challenges Canada, once said: “Talk is fun, results are hard, and people hate accountability.” We must prioritize accountability and shift focus from endless discussions to impactful action. The time to recalibrate is now. We have the resources, talent, and commitment across the continent. Let’s invest more in action—less talk, more impact. Join us in championing real progress that makes a difference for our communities, our planet, and future generations. 

The Grand Challenges (GC) network of partners is announcing a $9.6 million investment to 59 innovators developing ground-breaking solutions at the intersection of #climate,#health, #agriculture, and #gender in, #Africa, #South-East Asia, and the #Americas. These innovations represent a pivotal step toward addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change. By fostering collaborative efforts and supporting game-changing innovations, we are laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient future, safeguarding our communities' well-being, and paving the way for longer-term #sustainability. Read more ➡ : https://bit.ly/48v9v1Z #ClimateAction #GlobalHealth #Innovation #GenderEquality #SustainableDevelopment  Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation The Rockefeller Foundation Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)  Pasteur Network Foundation S Wellcome Trust Grand Challenges Canada

The Africa Research Management Capacity Strengthening (REMACS) Programme at Science for Africa Foundation joins the world in celebrating #GlobalEthicsDay 2024 under the theme #EthicsEmpowered. The REMACS Programme is committed to strengthening research ethics and integrity at institutions across Africa. We believe in the power of research ethics and integrity to foster a thriving research and innovation ecosystem in Africa, producing high-quality research that addresses the continent's most pressing challenges and positively impacts lives.  “Research thrives on ethics and integrity, nurturing truth, trust, and progress.”  — Allen Mukhwana

Prof Jo-Ann Passmore is a global leader in female reproductive health, specifically studying African vaginal microbiome to improve understanding on #HIV prevention in Southern Africa. Her work reveals how bacterial vaginosis (BV) drives genital inflammation, raising HIV risk. Prof Passmore's team developed the GIFT screening device to improve STI and BV diagnosis in low-resource settings. Her leadership through vmrc4africa is set to revolutionise BV treatment, and is changing the landscape of women’s health. Read more about her pioneering work here https://bit.ly/4dY3rjW #AfricaLeadingScience #WomensHealth #HIVResearch #CJFellow