CDT-Africa marked International Clinical Trials Day 2023 with the theme: Clinical Trials Regulation for Better Health. This year marks the 10th year anniversary celebration of the International Clinical Trials Day in Ethiopia and the 19th in the world to raise awareness of the importance of clinical trials to advance research and healthcare.

The event was chaired by CDT-Africa’s Deputy Centre Leader, Professor Eyasu Makonnen.

Addis Ababa University President, Professor Tassew W/Hanna through his representative stressed the huge global inequity in the area of access to safe and effective medicines. He highlighted the bold actions the university is taking in innovation, excellence and public impact. He noted that a reflection of this commitment of the university is the establishment of three Centres of Excellence (CoEs) to tackle major regional development challenges. He applauded the progress of CDT-Africa, one of the CoEs under the University, in building programs, human capabilities and infrastructure to fulfill its mission of building the necessary capabilities for ensuring equitable access to drugs, vaccines and diagnostics. He also noted his hope that CDT-Africa will be a regional asset and will enhance the impact of the University. 

Professor Tassew stressed the importance of long-term equitable partnerships to building critical local capabilities for medical discovery. He appreciated the effort being made to make Ethiopia a clinical trials and medical discovery hub.

Dr. Andualem Deneke, CED, CHS, AAU on  his part said major advances in treatments were mostly the results of clinical trials research. Thus, building clinical trial capacity is essential. He highlighted that as the engagement in clinical trials increases, the capacity to regulate clinical trials effectively and efficiently is crucial and noted the timeliness of this year’s theme of the ICTD ‘Clinical Trials Regulation for Better Health’.

H.E. Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister, FDRE Ministry of Health, efforts are underway to enhance national regulatory capacity for the development and production of therapeutic products. He highlighted importance of the engagement of all stakeholders.

Professor Abebaw Fekadu, Director of CDT-Africa, summarized the 10 years journey of celebrating ICTD and the impact of these celebrations. The establishment of a national Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials, a study on the Clinical Trials Ecosystem and the actions on facilitation of clinical trials during COVID-19 were examples of the impact of celebrating the ICTD.

AAU Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, Professor Mitike Molla, in her closing remarks congratulated the successful 10th ICTD celebration. She highlighted the important work of the University in terms of supporting cutting edge research with relevance to society. She concluded by noting the role of CDT-Africa  in representing Addis Ababa University in vaccine research and the interest of the university to establish CDT-Africa  as an independent institute which will lead medical discovery and clinical trial research in Ethiopia.