Cardiovascular clinical trials in Africa: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

clinical research and accordingly develop a strategic plan to this effect. (4,5) In order to be able to institute such a plan, it is essential that the various opportunities and challenges be recognised. ReseaRch agenda foR caRdiovasculaR disease in afRica Africa is a continent of great diversity. On the one end, it consists of extremely poor and remote rural regions with traditional existences, while on the other end, there are highly industrialised cities populated with people following an urban westernised lifestyle. As a result of this multi-ethnic population, different stages of the epidemiologic transition are evident across Africa. According to the literature, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyo-pathy and tuberculous pericarditis are the major causes for heart disease in the African population. (6) This leads to a high mortality and morbidity in young people, crippling the economy by debilita-ting and killing the productive population of adults, and leaving an