Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Uganda's Director of Public Health, emphasized the urgent need for enhanced clinical trial readiness and laboratory networks across Africa during the launch of the Advancing Clinical Trials and Epidemic Preparedness Research Capacity in Africa (ACT-PREP) project at Makerere University School of Public Health. Kyabayinze stated that strengthening research and laboratory capacity is critical to avoid delays in responding to outbreaks like Ebola, Marburg, and mpox, ensuring health systems do not face crises without prepared infrastructure.
The ACT-PREP initiative, led by Principal Investigator Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, aims to establish equitable partnerships among 10 African and two European institutions, collaborating with universities and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The project focuses on clinical research, disease surveillance, diagnostics, ethics, regulatory systems, and pharmacovigilance, while addressing historical challenges that delayed emergency responses. It will also enhance laboratory infrastructure, surveillance systems, and regulatory processes, creating networks for sharing expertise, data, and resources across the continent.
A key component of ACT-PREP is human resource development, targeting the training of at least 700 fellows over five years to build a cadre of African scientists capable of generating high-quality evidence during public health emergencies. The initiative incorporates artificial intelligence for disease prediction and rapid response, alongside One Health approaches that integrate human, animal, and environmental health. Stakeholders highlighted that the project seeks to bolster Africa's scientific independence by developing local expertise, research infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration to inform decisions on vaccines, diagnostics, and disease control.
With its launch, ACT-PREP is positioned to significantly improve Africa's capacity to conduct timely research and produce critical scientific evidence during future outbreaks. The project underscores a strategic shift toward self-reliance in epidemic preparedness, leveraging regional partnerships and innovative technologies to address persistent gaps in public health response mechanisms. Kyabayinze and Wanyenze stressed that the initiative represents a foundational step toward ensuring Africa is better equipped to manage health crises without relying on external interventions.