As part of activities to mark International Clinical Trials Day 2024, Xcene Research, a leading clinical research organisation in Nigeria, took to the streets of Lagos to raise awareness about the importance of clinical trials and their potential to improve healthcare outcomes. The health walk was done in partnership with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI), and TESS Foundation
International Clinical Trials Day is celebrated on May 20 each year to honour clinical research professionals by recognising their contributions to public health and medicine.
The walk, which began through the Idi-Araba axis of the state to the National Stadium in Lagos, had in attendance several participants, including representatives from Xcene Research, partner organisations, and healthcare professionals, displaying banners and placards highlighting the theme of this year’s International Clinical Trials Day “Clinical researchers are the trailblazers among us”.
The walk culminated in a community healthcare outreach programme with insightful discussions and informative sessions held at the Lagos National Stadium.
During the outreach, TESS Foundation provided free checkups for residents, while Xcene Research and partner healthcare institutions from LUTH and NIMR engaged the community in educational sessions about clinical trials.
These sessions focused on understanding the clinical trial process, The benefits of participating in clinical trials, and the role of clinical research in developing new treatments and cures.
According to Adebukunola Telufusi, executive director Xcene Research, International Clinical Trials Day is a pivotal moment to highlight the essential contributions of clinical trials to medical advancements.
“Our partnership with LUTH, NIMR, SAMI, and TESS Foundation exemplifies our collective commitment to improving health outcomes through research and community engagement,” she said.
Joy Ighowheme, programme manager, TESS Foundation, added, “We believe that our founding structure, which focuses on providing Access to Healthcare and Education (PAHE) in Africa, will create a fertile environment now and for future generations.”
“The collaborative effort by Xcene Research, LUTH, NIMR, SAMI, and TESS Foundation demonstrates a collective commitment to improving healthcare access and education in Nigeria.”
“By raising awareness about clinical trials, the organisations hope to encourage more Nigerians to participate in research that can benefit not only their own health but also the health of future” generations.
