Africa CDC, in collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), invites applications for an 8-week Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) Training Programme aimed at strengthening clinical trial safety oversight across Africa. The programme is designed to build technical capacity and expand the pool of trained experts who can support high-quality, ethical, and safe clinical research on the continent.
This call for applications targets professionals involved in health research, regulation, vaccine safety, and related fields who are interested in contributing to stronger systems for monitoring participant safety and data integrity in clinical trials.
About Africa CDC
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is an autonomous public health institution of the African Union. It supports African Union Member States in planning, preparing for, and responding to public health threats, disease outbreaks, and other health emergencies across the continent.
Africa CDC’s work is guided by core leadership principles that include credibility, ownership, delegated authority, timely dissemination of information, transparency, accountability, and value addition. These principles underpin its efforts to strengthen national and regional public health institutions and improve health outcomes for populations in Africa.
Within Africa CDC, the Science and Innovation division plays a critical role in advancing research quality and safety. Its mandate includes supporting effective safety monitoring in clinical trials to uphold ethical research standards and protect the well-being of trial participants. During clinical research, adverse events may arise from the administration of investigational products, making strong oversight systems essential for risk assessment, timely decision-making, and appropriate interventions.
About the Programme
The Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) is a key independent body responsible for reviewing accumulating clinical trial data, safeguarding the safety of participants, and ensuring the scientific integrity of ongoing studies. Effective DSMBs are especially critical in vaccine trials and emergency research settings.
To strengthen DSMB expertise across Africa, Africa CDC, in collaboration with the Safety Platform for Emergency Vaccines (SPEAC), is offering a structured and comprehensive training course in data and safety monitoring. The programme aims to increase the availability of trained DSMB members who can contribute to ethical oversight of clinical trials and improve preparedness for emerging and re-emerging health threats.
The eight-week training programme combines self-paced online learning with live virtual sessions facilitated by experts in vaccine safety, clinical trial monitoring, and regulatory science. Upon successful completion, participants may be eligible to join the DSMB Pool, where they may be considered for future clinical trial oversight roles.
Training Course Outline
The training will cover the following core modules:
- Introduction to Clinical Trials and DSMB
- Vaccine Clinical Trials and Safety Monitoring
- DSMB Roles and Decision-Making Processes
- Regulatory and Ethical Considerations in Clinical Research
- Safety Monitoring and Risk Assessment
- Statistical Methods Relevant to DSMB Activities
- DSMB Meetings and Case Discussions
- Practical Applications, quizzes, and a final assessment
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) Training Programme:
- Applicants must be professionals currently working with or affiliated to an organisation involved in:
- Vaccine safety surveillance
- Clinical trials or research hubs
- National Regulatory Authorities
- National pharmacovigilance centres
- Ethics committees
- Other related health or research institutions
- Applicants must possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent tertiary qualification in a relevant field. Higher academic qualifications such as a Master’s degree, PhD, DrPH, or MD are considered an added advantage.
- Applicants must have relevant professional experience, with clearly stated years of experience in their field of practice.
- Applicants should have a background or demonstrated interest in clinical trials and/or vaccine pharmacovigilance. Previous experience working on clinical trials or conducting active pharmacovigilance activities is strongly desirable.
- Applicants must submit a detailed curriculum vitae outlining their professional background, roles, and relevant experience.
- Applicants must provide a support letter from their employer or affiliated organisation confirming their role and institutional support for participation in the training programme.
- Applicants must demonstrate strong motivation and commitment to complete the full 8-week training programme, including both self-paced modules and live virtual sessions.
Key Dates
- Course start: 12 February 2026
- Application deadline: 31 January 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants are required to submit their applications online through the official application form provided by Africa CDC.
Link to apply: APPLY HERE
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