UR equips healthcare professionals with clinical trial expertise on drugs and vaccines

The University of Rwanda organized a two-week training workshop on clinical trials of drugs and vaccines. The training attracted 22 healthcare professionals and scientists, particularly those specializing in clinical trials and biomedical research. It aimed to strengthen participants’ skills to adapt to the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Opening remarks by VC Prof Kayihura Didas
In his opening remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayihura Didas emphasized that the training is a significant step toward building a critical mass of trained scientists and healthcare professionals essential for Rwanda’s key interventions. This includes, among other areas, clinical research to assess the efficacy and safety of various drugs and vaccines.
According to Prof. Kayihura, the initiative also aligns with Rwanda’s efforts to advance innovation, biotechnology, and biomanufacturing.

“For Rwanda to become a leading hub for healthcare innovation across Africa, we need to have people to drive this ambition,” noted Kayihura.

Dr. Clarisse Musanabaganwa, a participant in the training from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, noted that the training will be useful not only for RBC but also nationwide in addressing the challenge of human capital capabilities needed to manage and conduct high-level medical research.

Musanabaganwa, who is a Medical Research Analyst, added that the training serves as a foundation for developing in-service skills within health facilities and upgrading staff expertise to attract clinical trial investments in the country.

“Overall, human resource capability has been built in healthcare delivery in general, but the country’s vision is to promote research and development,” she said.

A section of health professionals during the training workshop
The training brought together participants from key health stakeholders, including the University of Rwanda, Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, and representatives from referral hospitals across the country. The training was facilitated by professors from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and funded by Sanofi and the International Vaccine Institute.

Participants pose for a group photo