This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
Published on July 9, 2020, the African Union Commission has taken a significant step towards combating the Covid-19 pandemic by launching the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Consortium for Covid-19 Vaccine Clinical Trial (CONCVACT).
The CONCVACT aims to secure more than 10 late-stage vaccine clinical trials on the continent as early as possible. This initiative brings together global vaccine developers and funders, as well as African organisations that facilitate clinical trials.
According to Moussa Faki Mahamat, the AU Commission Chairman, it is crucial for academics, researchers, and the private sector to work together to develop a Covid-19 vaccine that will enable Africa to regain momentum for achieving the goals of the continental integration agenda.
The programme will be used to establish partnerships with leading vaccine developers to host select late-stage trial sites in Africa, identify countries and regions where opportunities to conduct trials are most promising, and engage with African and global media to increase public awareness on the need and importance of hosting well-regulated clinical trials in Africa.
CONCVACT will also set up an independent review board to provide guidance, assistance, and oversight to clinical trials, including regulatory, ethics, and safety. The consortium will be co-chaired by Dr Salim Abdool Karim, Dr Samba Sow, and Dr John Nkengasong.
