The diversity of newly enrolled students to CDT-Africa’s MSc in Clinical Trials program increased in 2019/20 academic year. In the last 2018/19 academic year, of the total 26 students enrolled, 5 (19%) were from Eastern and Central African countries other than Ethiopia. The countries represented were from Kenya (1), Uganda (2), Malawi (1) and Eritrea (1), and the rest 21 from Ethiopia.

This 2019/20 academic year, the diversity of students has shown a significant increase from 5 (19%) to 12 (44%); Kenya (2), Uganda (2), Malawi (2), Tanzania (2), Zambia (1) and Eritrea (3). There is one more distinguishing factor as well – 11 of the 12 non-Ethiopian students enrolled this year are female, successfully tackling gender inequalities in our academic higher institution and over-meeting the target set by the Centre.

CDT-Africa as a regional centre of excellence identified lack of skilled human power in health research a critical barrier in health development and advancement. It is at such at high time of need that CDT-Africa is building a sustainable human expertise in Africa - breaking a major barrier that holds   Africa back from engaging in medical discovery and development.