Segmented into two parts, the first part of the event included presentations from the Cameroon MOH, EDCTP and BMGF highlighting the challenges related to conducting clinical trials in Cameroon, the work done to build and improve clinical trial capacity in Africa, and the consequences of uninformative clinical trials. These were followed by a presentation from CHAI, which outlined the mission, vision, and objectives of DAC-A. The curtains closed on the first part of the programme with a word from the representative of the Cameroon Minister of Public Health: “By providing clinical trial protocol review services and working with ethics and regulatory bodies to optimize and digitize the process of reviewing and issuing ethical clearances, DAC-A will improve the research environment in Cameroon, and Africa.”

The second part of the event brought together clinical trial funders, regulators, principal investigators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss challenges related to clinical trial funding, planning, and implementation in Africa, as well as to explore avenues to make the continent a more attractive location for clinical trials.

Overall, the launch of DAC-A represented a significant step forward towards the goal of improving the quality of clinical trials being implemented in Africa, and the creation of an enabling environment for clinical trials in the continent. This was clearly captured during the opening remark of the event delivered by Prof. Rose Leke (Heroine of Health 2018 and Chair of the DAC-A Advisory Committee); “Through its activities, DAC-A will be improving on the research environment in Cameroon and Africa, something I have always held dear and worked for through my career to make reality”.

Welcome DAC-A, operating from Cameroon, for Africa!