The Clinical Trial Training Program will provide a comprehensive and sustainable training in clinical trial design, conduct, and management, with a particular focus on good clinical practice (GCP) and regulatory compliance. The programme will consist of a stepwise approach. Initially, there will be a one-year hybrid training modules at UR, with a “teach the teachers” approach for sustainable capacity strengthening to conduct clinical trials. The programme will progress in status over five years through Certificate, Diploma and ultimately a Masters in Clinical Research award.

During the first three years of the course it is anticipated that 6 oncologists, 3 pathologists and 3 radiologists will undertake the training, leading to an increased capacity for clinical trials in Rwanda’s oncology centers as part of routine practice, with the benefit to patients derived from increased participation in clinical trials. The selected trainees will also be empowered to deliver the training to others in their institutions to support sustainability and permanence.

Sanofi’s support is specifically to the first year of this three-year period, covering the initial phase of establishment of the course in the University of Rwanda. The University has secured additional funding form the International Vaccine Institute in Seoul, South Korea.