World Campus November Session: why democratizing clinical research matters
presentation by Professor Hesham ElGhazali

In our November World Campus session, Professor Hesham ElGhazali delivered a powerful message: global clinical research cannot be truly innovative, or truly fair, if entire regions are left out. Today, Africa carries 25% of the world’s disease burden but participates in only 4% of clinical trials, leaving major gaps in genetic data, treatment relevance, and access to new therapies.

Professor ElGhazali highlights why this must change. From regulatory hurdles and missing infrastructure to cultural barriers and fragmented data systems, many challenges hold back research in Africa and other low- and middle-income countries. Yet progress is happening. Initiatives like the African Medicines Agency, H3Africa, and Egypt’s Presidential Initiative for Women’s Health show how coordinated screening, biobanking, and digital health can dramatically improve outcomes and strengthen research capacity.

His message is clear: by building networks, investing in capacity, and working across borders, we create a win-win strategy – better science for the world, and better care for the people who need it most.

Watch the full session here: