About
Trials of Excellence in Southern Africa (TESA) network was launched in 2009, during the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) phase 1. At this stage, nine institutions from six different countries from Southern Africa were part of this consortium whose aim was to creating a framework for collaboration, capacity building and training among member institutions. Currently, TESA II, incorporating thirteen institutions from eight Southern African and four European countries, which are predisposed to strengthen clinical research capacities in Southern Africa, as well as to increase North-South South- South networks among member institutions.
The intended long-term impact:
Support high-quality research results within participating project members. Basically, 3 areas covered:
- INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: laboratory accreditation and equipment upgrades at Less Developed Sites to enable them to carry out high-quality CTs. This include as well more Moderate Developed Sites to ensure that they are internationally recognized.
- TRAINING AND MENTORSHIP: TESA supporting MSc & PhD’s students and Career Development for fellows as well as short-term traiing in cross-cutting disciplines.
- RESOURCE SHARING AND OPTIMIZATION: coordination between TESA members to enable optimal use of resources and infrastructures within the network and provide a platform for multi-center studies.
Commited to achieve the Millennium Development Goals: SDG3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages”
Specific objectives:
- To strengthen collaboration and optimize the use of resources and infrastructure within the network
- To offer training and mentorship aimed to promote professional development and scientific leadership in Clinical Trials. Including data management, data analysis and sharing across the network.
- Strengthen South-South & North-South collaborations between researchers and institutions – focus on supporting less established institutions-.
- To encourage, promote networking and dialogue between researchers, communities and policy-makers to maximize the impact of Clinical Research in Africa.