Safeguard Vaccine Trials in Africa: Apply for the 8-Week DSMB Training by Africa CDC

Program Overview

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in collaboration with the Safety Platform for Emergency Vaccines (SPEAC), is offering an intensive 8-week Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) Training Program. The initiative aims to expand the pool of qualified DSMB members by building a cadre of well-trained experts in clinical trial safety monitoring across Africa.

This training program supports ethical oversight of vaccine clinical trials and strengthens global and regional preparedness for emerging and reemerging public health threats. Upon successful completion, participants may be invited to join the DSMB global pool and be considered for future clinical trial oversight roles.

Why DSMB Training Matters

Safety monitoring in clinical trials is essential to protect participants, ensure ethical conduct, and preserve the scientific validity of study outcomes. Adverse events during the use of investigational products require rigorous oversight. DSMBs play a central role in reviewing interim trial data, identifying safety concerns, and guiding critical decisions regarding trial continuation or modification.

Africa CDC and SPEAC aim to address the current gap in DSMB expertise within the continent by providing a comprehensive, practical training course that equips professionals to take on oversight roles in vaccine trials and broader health research efforts.

Training Format and Curriculum

The course is delivered over eight weeks through a blended learning model. Participants engage in both self-paced modules and live virtual sessions led by global experts in clinical trials, epidemiology, and safety surveillance.

Training Modules Include:

• Introduction to Clinical Trials and DSMB Functions
• Vaccine Clinical Trials and Safety Monitoring
• DSMB Roles, Responsibilities, and Decision-Making
• Regulatory and Ethical Considerations
• Safety Monitoring and Risk Assessment
• Statistical Methods for DSMBs
• DSMB Meetings and Case Discussions
• Practical Applications, Quizzes, and Final Assessment

Core Competencies Gained

By the end of the training, participants are expected to demonstrate:

• Enhanced skills in detecting, evaluating, and responding to adverse events
• Improved ability to apply international safety monitoring standards
• Working knowledge of clinical trial design, biostatistics, and ethics
• Strengthened capacity to analyze interim trial data for informed decision-making
• Adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), regulatory frameworks, and ethical guidelines
• Capacity to reduce protocol deviations and uphold study integrity
• Regional autonomy in conducting high-quality, ethically sound trials
• Sustained capacity for vaccine safety surveillance in Africa

Trainers and Facilitators

Training sessions are led by an internationally recognized team from SPEAC, a CEPI-funded initiative that provides safety support to clinical trials across multiple platforms and pathogens. Facilitators bring real-world experience from diverse regulatory, academic, and public health backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of an African Union Member State
• Hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in medicine, pharmacy, epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, pharmacovigilance, or related fields (preference for MSc or PhD holders)
• Have at least three years of professional experience in clinical research, pharmacovigilance, regulatory science, or public health
• Be employed full-time at a public or private institution in Africa actively involved in relevant work
• Demonstrate a track record or potential for leadership in safety surveillance or clinical trial oversight

Participant Selection Process

An independent selection committee comprising experts from Africa CDC and global partners will review all applications. Each training cohort will include 20 participants selected based on their qualifications, experience, professional background, and geographic representation. Equal opportunity will be emphasized, with a commitment to gender balance and inclusion of underrepresented groups.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the online portal, Apply here.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online form
• Letter of support from the applicant’s current employer, confirming full-time employment and commitment to allow participation throughout the 8-week program
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• A personal statement (maximum 500 words) detailing:
  • Technical qualifications and experience
  • Commitment to medicine safety in Africa
  • Vision for the impact of strong regulatory and safety practices across the continent

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: May 25, 2025
• Training Start Date: June 23, 2025

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.