Overview
Africa CDC, in collaboration with the Safety Platform for Emergency Vaccines (SPEAC), is offering a structured training course in data safety monitoring.
This course aims to expand the pool of qualified DSMB members by increasing the availability of trained experts to support the ethical oversight of vaccine trials and strengthen global preparedness for emerging health threats. The eight-week programme combines self-paced learning and live virtual sessions facilitated by experts in vaccine safety and clinical trial monitoring. Upon successful completion, participants may join the DSMB Pool, and they may be considered for future clinical trial oversight roles. Africa CDC and CEPI/SPEAC jointly sponsor this training to equip professionals with the skills needed for effective safety monitoring in clinical trials, thereby improving research quality and public health outcomes.
Goals
- Increase the global pool of qualified DSMB members.
- Enhance expertise in vaccine clinical trials, epidemiology and statistics.
- Improve clinical safety monitoring decision-making skills. • Expand training accessibility to a geographically diverse audience.
- Strengthen competency assessment in safety monitoring.
Objectives
- To bolster the proficiency of clinical trial stakeholders in safety monitoring practices, leading to improved participant safety and data integrity.
- To strengthen adherence to regulatory and ethical standards in clinical trials, ensuring credible and reliable research outcomes.
- To foster awareness and adoption of safety monitoring best practices within the African clinical research community, promoting excellence and accountability.
Methodology and Deliverables
The training will employ a modular format, combining recorded lectures with live virtual sessions. This approach ensures flexibility while maintaining interactive learning opportunities. Expert trainers and subject-matter specialists will facilitate the course, leveraging their real-world experience to deliver high-quality instruction.
Course Structure
The programme consists of eight weekly modules covering key topics:
- Introduction to Clinical Trials & DSMB
- Vaccine Clinical Trials & Safety Monitoring
- DSMB Roles & Decision-Making
- Regulatory & Ethical Considerations
- Safety Monitoring & Risk Assessment
- Statistical Methods for DSMB • DSMB Meetings & Case Discussions
- Practical Applications, quizzes, and final assessment
The training is open to professionals working in:
Eligibility/Requirements
- Vaccine safety surveillance organisations
- Clinical trial hubs
- National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs)/National PV centres • Ethics committees
- Applicants should have a background in clinical trials or vaccine pharmacovigilance.
Trainers and Facilitators
The course will be led by a team of experienced trainers from the Safety Platform for Emergency Vaccines (SPEAC), a CEPI-funded initiative to enhance safety for CEPI-funded trials across various platforms for multiple priority pathogens.
Certification Requirements:
To receive a Certificate of Completion in Safety Monitoring in Clinical Trials, participants must:
- Achieve a passing score of 70% in all quizzes.
- Actively participate in all live sessions (maximum of two absences permitted).
- Score 70% or higher on the final exam (two attempts allowed).
Selection Criteria
- Registration Link: https://redcap.link/az7t1w59
- Required Application Details: Full Name, Country of Residence, Current Position, vaccine, DSMB and clinical trial related experience, Curriculum Vitae, Contact Information (Phone & Email)
Selection Process
A total of 40 participants will be chosen for each course based on their professional background, relevant experience, and geographical representation to ensure a diverse cohort,
Important Dates
- Course start date: February 12, 2026
- Registration Deadline: January 31, 2026
How to Apply
- All applications must be submitted using the online application form.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
All applicants must provide the following required information:
- A support letter from the current employer
- Letters of recommendation from two reputable professional referees.
- A personal statement (maximum 500 words) demonstrating the candidate’s commitment to medicine safety in Africa. This statement should outline the applicant’s technical qualifications, professional experience, and achievements, and articulate their vision for the future impact of effective medicine safety and regulation systems across the continent.
Completed applications with all supporting documents should be submitted through:
For more information, please visit the Africa CDC official page at:
For More information or questions, please email alemayehud@africacdc.org
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