CDT-Africa commemorated International Clinical Trials Day (ICTD) on June 5th, 2025 PM with the theme ‘Clinical Trials in Ethiopia: Progress and Future perspective’. The event, chaired by Prof. Eyasu Makonnen, Deputy Centre Leader of CDT-Africa, brought together representatives of institutional research ethics committees and research directorates of higher institutions, research institutes, regulators, researchers, Africa CDC, regional and international partners, CDT-Africa Alumni’s and more. 

In his Welcoming remarks, Prof. Andualem Deneke, Chief executive Director, College of health Sciences, AAU, through his representative, Dr. Lemlem Beza, Vice Executive Dean for Research and Engagement, highlighted that the College of Health Sciences is pleased to see that the ICTD celebrations have continued to grow and brought together an expanding network of stakeholders from Ethiopia and around the world. He noted that the College is one of Africa’s largest referral teaching institutions, with over half a million annual patient visits and the highest concentration of clinical specialists in the country, which provides a strong foundation for clinical research. He highlighted that the college continues to lead in the number of clinical trials conducted in Ethiopia and remains committed to strengthening clinical trial capacity and attracting new partnerships for clinical trials.

Professor Abebaw Fekadu, Head of CDT-Africa, emphasized the significance of ICTD as a platform for promoting clinical trials. He highlighted that that there is a fivefold increase in registered trials since the first ICTD is celebrated in Ethiopia in 2014. He noted that despite significant progress, more work is needed. He highlighted that continued progress requires a fundamental shift in strategic direction, emphasizing the need to think beyond borders and adopt a global mindset. Health challenges are global, and so must be the solutions. He challenged the audience to continue pushing boundaries. He also stressed the need to value time and act with urgency. He noted that time is a critical but undervalued resource and emphasized that without a greater sense of urgency, progress will continue to be very slow. He also expressed the need to reduce dependency on external funding and urged local institutions to build self-sufficiency in clinical trial infrastructure, pharmaceutical development, and regulatory systems. He noted that waiting for pharmaceutical companies or external donors is no longer viable and that institutions and individuals must take greater responsibility for shaping the future of clinical research in Africa applying the knowledge, partnerships and resources they have.

The event included presentations on progress and future perspective of Clinical Trials in Ethiopia by Prof. Asrat Hailu (AAU CDT-Africa), Clinical Trials Network Initiative by Dr. Mekonnen Teferi (AHRI), and capacity development efforts: The case of ClinOps, Clinical trials operation for study coordinators by Dr. Dawit Asmamaw Ejigu (AAU CDT-Africa). It also included a moderated panel discussion on Progress, challenges and future perspective of clinical trials in Ethiopia. The panelists were representatives of EFDA, ethics review boards or committees and clinical trial sites. More than 80 participants attended the event, both virtually and in person. ICTD was celebrated for 12th time in Ethiopia and has been serving as a platform for strengthening partnerships, knowledge exchange, and as an opportunity to thank clinical trial researchers and participants.