Uganda’s Ministry of Health has emphasized that the continent’s ability to combat future epidemics hinges not on the volume of research produced but on its capacity to detect outbreaks swiftly, conduct timely research, and implement effective decisions during health crises. This challenge was underscored as the country, alongside 10 African and European institutions, launched the Advancing Clinical Trials and Epidemic Preparedness Research Capacity in Africa (SCTREP) programme, a five-year initiative aimed at strengthening clinical trials and epidemic preparedness. Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the critical need for research to be integrated with government action to ensure findings translate into policy and improved health services.
The SCTREP programme, funded by the European Union, seeks to train over 10,000 scientists, students, and health workers, including 15 PhD students and 10 postdoctoral researchers, while upgrading laboratories and clinical trial systems. However, experts warn that training alone cannot address Africa’s systemic gaps. Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean of Makerere University’s School of Public Health, noted that Africa faces a paradox: it experiences the highest number of disease outbreaks globally yet has the weakest clinical trial capacity. ‘We have the most limited clinical trial capacities worldwide, yet we have the largest number of outbreaks,’ she said, stressing the urgency of rapid evaluation of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics during emergencies.
Kyabayinze pointed to the continent’s struggle with limited infrastructure, skilled personnel, and regulatory frameworks as barriers to effective epidemic response. He cited instances where African researchers had to send samples abroad for analysis due to inadequate local facilities, a delay that could jeopardize outbreak control. ‘Diseases do not respect national borders,’ he said, urging African nations to share data, technology, and resources to build collective resilience. The programme’s partnerships, including collaborations with Germany’s Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and cross-border efforts with South Sudan and Somalia, aim to address these challenges.
Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe argued that Africa must shift from being a consumer of global health knowledge to a leader in epidemic research. He cited the continent’s expertise in managing outbreaks like Ebola and HIV, stating, ‘I don’t think anyone has more knowledge about Ebola than the School of Public Health and IBI.’ Nawangwe emphasized the need for two-way knowledge exchange with European partners, ensuring African insights shape global health strategies. ‘The ultimate test will be whether the capacity we build remains after the programme ends,’ he said, warning against relying on temporary solutions.
The programme’s success will depend on its ability to embed research into national health systems. Wanyenze highlighted the risk of losing momentum post-funding, noting that future outbreaks could expose gaps in preparedness. ‘When the next outbreak comes, we should not have to start looking for expertise, systems, or laboratories,’ she said. The initiative’s focus on institutional partnerships and local leadership aims to create sustainable frameworks for epidemic response, ensuring Africa is better equipped to act before crises escalate.
Public health officials stress that the SCTREP programme’s impact will be measured not by the number of trained researchers but by its ability to translate capacity into actionable outcomes. Kyabayinze’s question—‘Will we be able to detect outbreaks faster and make better decisions?’—remains central to the initiative’s goals. As Africa faces recurring health threats, the programme represents a critical step toward self-reliance in epidemic preparedness, with implications for global health security.
The collaboration underscores a broader shift in African health policy, prioritizing regional cooperation and local innovation. By strengthening clinical trial systems and fostering cross-border data sharing, the SCTREP programme seeks to address long-standing inequities in global health research. Its success could set a precedent for future initiatives, ensuring that Africa is not only prepared for the next outbreak but also positioned to lead in global health solutions.
The programme’s emphasis on ethics and regulatory frameworks reflects a growing recognition of the need for robust governance in epidemic response. Wanyenze noted that weak oversight systems have historically hindered African-led research, citing delays in approving new tools during outbreaks. By addressing these systemic issues, the initiative aims to create a more agile and responsive research ecosystem.
As the five-year project unfolds, stakeholders remain cautious about its long-term viability. Nawangwe warned that without sustained investment, the gains could be lost. ‘The real test is whether we can maintain this capacity beyond the funding period,’ he said. The programme’s legacy will depend on its ability to embed preparedness into the fabric of African health systems, ensuring that future outbreaks are met with readiness rather than reactive measures.
The SCTREP initiative highlights the urgent need for Africa to invest in both human and infrastructural capital to combat emerging health threats. With the continent’s population growing and climate change exacerbating disease patterns, the programme’s focus on speed and collaboration is more critical than ever. As Kyabayinze put it, ‘The next outbreak is not a question of if, but when.’
The partnership between African and European institutions represents a model for global health cooperation, balancing external support with local leadership. By prioritizing Africa’s unique challenges and expertise, the programme aims to create a blueprint for epidemic preparedness that is both resilient and equitable, ensuring that the continent is no longer on the sidelines of global health innovation.