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Shaban Juma: This Training Reaffirmed my Identity Capable of Advancing Clinical Trial Standards in East Africa

Shaban Juma/LinkedIn

Jul 20, 2025, 13:10

Shaban Juma: This Training Reaffirmed my Identity Capable of Advancing Clinical Trial Standards in East Africa

Shaban Juma, Resident in Clinical Oncology at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, posted on LinkedIn:

“Last week, I had the honor of attending a three‑day Clinical Investigator Training Program in Nairobi, co‑organized by Aga Khan University and AFROC (African Initiative Against Oesophageal Cancer).

I deepened my knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP)—covering ethical principles, regulatory frameworks, and protocol compliance in human-subjects research.

I acquired tools for designing and rigorously appraising clinical protocols, ensuring scientific validity and patient safety.

I was introduced to effective data management and quality assurance techniques, focused on maintaining integrity and documentation standards.

I engaged in practical sessions on ethics and regulatory navigation, including informed consent processes and IRB submissions.

Learning alongside peers from across Africa enriched my view of the continent’s clinical research ecosystem through collaborative peer learning.

This training reaffirmed my identity not only as a clinician but also as a research leadership professional, capable of advancing clinical trial standards in East Africa.

I feel more confident stepping up to participate in or even lead multi‑site research projects aligned with local health priorities.

The connections I made with faculty and fellow investigators have already sparked ideas for future collaborations across borders.

I’m deeply grateful to:

Aga Khan University, Nairobi, for organizing a well-structured and impactful program. Their Clinical Research Unit is building much-needed trial capacity in the region.
AFROC, whose clinical investigator training (part of its Clinical Trial Training work stream) delivers ethics‑centered, continent‑relevant content.
The faculty and mentors, whose expertise and guidance illuminated every session.
My fellow participants, whose energy, questions, and shared perspectives made the experience truly inspiring.

I plan to bring these lessons into my daily practice, enhancing protocols, data processes, and monitoring strategies. Ultimately, I’m committed to contributing to ethics, high-quality clinical research that serves our communities with integrity and impact.”

Shaban Juma: This Training Reaffirmed my Identity Capable of Advancing Clinical Trial Standards in East Africa