Episode 1 of the Breakthrough Clinical Trials Lounge, hosted by Dr Nyeleti Bicky Mthombeni (PhD), marks the beginning of a new journey to spotlight Africa’s expertise and involvement in clinical trials. This opening episode sets out the show's mission: to increase Africa’s participation in global clinical trials, educate the community, and ensure that Africa’s contributions are recognised internationally. Dr Mthombeni addresses three key audiences: the wider community, who may know little about clinical trials; the experts and professionals involved in research; and the “missing middle”—the decision-makers who determine where trials are conducted.
She highlights the importance of including more Africans in clinical research, noting the current underrepresentation (just 4.3% of global trials take place in Africa) and the potential impact on the effectiveness and safety of treatments for African populations. The episode tackles common misconceptions, such as the fear of being used as “guinea pigs.” Instead, it encourages learning and participation, emphasising that exclusion from research means new medicines might not be properly tested for African genetics and health needs. The discussion also touches on the changing health landscape in Africa, with a growing burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Dr Mthombeni calls on experts to advocate for more trials and on decision-makers—the pharmaceutical industry, government, and nonprofits—to explain the low number of trials in Africa and to work towards increasing them. She promises that future episodes will dive deeper into the world of clinical trials, including topics like traditional medicines and the regulatory process. Listeners are encouraged to stay engaged, learn more about clinical trials, and connect with the show’s sponsor, Afrileadtech, a South African research company offering training, consulting, and a clinical trials research centre. The episode concludes with an invitation to connect via email or social media, and a promise of monthly episodes to continue the conversation.
