Across the world, less than 5% of global clinical trials are conducted in Africa, despite the continent carrying a high burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases. This imbalance affects how well treatments reflect genetic diversity, environmental exposure, and local disease patterns.
Our work seeks to close this gap through ethically conducted, community-grounded research.

Why Clinical Trials Count

Clinical trials are systematic investigations involving human participants to evaluate:

• Safety of new medicines
• Effectiveness of treatments
• Appropriate dosage levels
• Long-term side effects
• Comparison with existing standards of care

Globally, it takes an average of 8–12 years for a medicine to move from discovery to approval. Each phase of clinical trials plays a defined role:

• Phase I – Safety testing in small groups
• Phase II – Effectiveness and dosage
• Phase III – Large-scale confirmation of benefit and monitoring of adverse effects
• Phase IV – Post-approval monitoring

As shown in the chart below, most trials conducted in low- and middle-income countries fall within Phase III. Early-stage research remains limited in these regions, restricting scientific participation and capacity development.

Participation Gap and Global Imbalance

The chart above illustrates the global distribution of clinical trial participation. North America and Europe account for the majority of trial activity, while Africa represents a very small fraction.

This imbalance has consequences:

• Limited data on African populations
• Reduced access to experimental therapies
• Slower health innovation within local systems
• Fewer trained research professionals

Given that Sub-Saharan Africa bears nearly 25% of the global disease burden but hosts a small share of trials, expanding ethical research in the region is both a scientific and moral necessity.

Our Research Focus Areas

• Maternal and child health
• Infectious diseases (HIV, Tuberculosis and Drug-Resistant TB)
• Malaria control
• Cancer prevention and treatment
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Mental health
• Neglected tropical diseases (e.g., Lassa fever)
• Vaccine studies
• Treatment regimen comparisons
• Diagnostic product evaluations
• Public health research

Each study is designed around clearly defined protocols, ethical review approval, and strict regulatory compliance.

Ethical Standards and Participant Protection

Participant safety remains central to all research activity. Our clinical trials adhere to:

• International Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines
• Independent ethics committee approval
• Informed consent procedures
• Confidentiality safeguards
• Continuous adverse event monitoring

Community engagement precedes study initiation. Participants are informed in clear language about risks, benefits, and their right to withdraw at any time.

Capacity Building and Infrastructure

Beyond conducting trials, we invest in:

• Training investigators and study nurses
• Strengthening laboratory systems
• Data management systems
• Pharmacovigilance reporting
• Research governance structures

This strengthens local institutions and contributes to sustainable scientific growth within Nigeria and across Africa. Clinical research is not only about new medicines; it is about equity in scientific knowledge and access to future therapies. Through structured trials, regulatory compliance, and community inclusion, Equitable Medicaid and Clinical Research advances responsible research that reflects the realities of underserved populations.

Expanding Africa’s participation in global trials strengthens global medicine itself.