Clinical Trials Unit
February 18, 2026 2026-02-26 12:20Clinical Trials Unit
Clinical Trials Unit (CTU)
Advancing Ethical, High-Quality Clinical Research for Africa
The Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is a purpose-built research platform dedicated to the design and conduct of high-quality, ethical, and globally competitive clinical trials in Rwanda and across Africa.
About Us
Launching in 2026, the CTU is positioned to support investigator-initiated and sponsor-led clinical studies that address priority health needs, strengthen local research leadership, and accelerate access to innovative medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics.
Our Mission
To advance Africa-led clinical research by providing a trusted, well-governed, and community-engaged platform for the conduct of clinical trials that meet international scientific, ethical, and regulatory standards.
What We Do
The UGHE CTU provides end-to-end support for clinical trials across the research lifecycle, including:
- Study design and protocol development
- Regulatory and ethics submissions
- Participant recruitment and retention
- Investigational medicinal product (IMP) management
- Clinical and laboratory procedures
- Data management and biostatistics
- Quality assurance and pharmacovigilance
- Community engagement and dissemination of results
Our Approach
The CTU is built on four core principles:
Who We Work With
The CTU collaborates with a wide range of partners, including:
- Academic institutions and research organisations
- Government agencies and regulators
- Global health funders and sponsors
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Civil society and community stakeholders
We welcome partnerships that are aligned with our mission and values.
Why UGHE?
UGHE brings a unique perspective to clinical research through its commitment to health equity, interdisciplinary education, and locally driven solutions.
The CTU builds on this foundation to ensure that clinical trials conducted in Rwanda are:
- Scientifically robust
- Ethically grounded
- Locally relevant
- Globally credible
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for launch in 2026, the CTU is focused on:
- Finalising operational readiness and quality systems
- Completing staff recruitment and training
- Establishing strategic national and international partnerships
- Initiating priority clinical research projects
Get Involved
We invite researchers, sponsors, policymakers, and community partners to engage with us as we build a new chapter for clinical trials in Rwanda.
Contact: clinicaltrials@ughe.org
