Global health leaders call for coordinated action to strengthen equitable and sustainable clinical trials systems at World Health Assembly side event

Speakers and panelists during the “Catalyzing Global Collaboration to Strengthen Clinical Trials Systems” side event during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, May 2026. Credit: IVI

GENEVA, Switzerland, 19 May 2026 — Global health leaders, policymakers, researchers, and development partners convened at a side event during the 79th World Health Assembly to advance coordinated action for strengthening equitable and sustainable clinical trials systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), recognizing that stronger research capacity is essential to pandemic preparedness, health equity, and access to innovation.

The event, titled “Catalyzing Global Collaboration to Strengthen Clinical Trials Systems,” was co-organized by the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) and the Pasteur Network, in partnership with the governments of Brazil, Ghana, Sweden, Rwanda, and Viet Nam.

Discussions highlighted the persistent imbalance in global clinical research capacity. Although LMICs bear a substantial share of the global disease burden, they continue to host only a small proportion of clinical trials. Africa, for example, accounts for just 3% of clinical trials worldwide, contributing to critical evidence gaps and limiting the effectiveness of health interventions for the populations most in need.

Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Vu Manh Ha, Deputy Minister of Health of Viet Nam; Igor Bueno, Director of the Health Economic-Industrial Complex Department, Ministry of Health, Brazil; and Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, CEO of Ghana’s National Vaccine Institute.

Dr. Vu Manh Ha, Deputy Minister of Health of Viet Nam, said: “Viet Nam has joined international trials on next-generation vaccines and is forging partnerships for research capacity, vaccine production, technology transfer, and rollout through the national Expanded Programme on Immunization. These steps show how emerging economies can contribute globally while advancing domestically.”

Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, CEO of Ghana’s National Vaccine Institute, said: “Shared partnerships are now more critical than ever in strengthening clinical trial capacity, particularly for Africa. While the market within a single country may be too small to drive significant progress independently, a regional and continental approach can create far greater impact and advance clinical trial development more rapidly.”

Dr. Anh Wartel, Deputy Director General of the IVI Europe Regional Office, added: “When low- and middle-income countries have the capacity to conduct high-quality research locally, health interventions can better reflect regional disease burdens, population needs, and public health priorities. Today’s discussions reinforced that sustainable progress depends on trusted partnerships, long-term investment, and stronger global coordination. This is central to the International Vaccine Institute’s work to advance vaccine equity and support countries in developing the research capacity needed to respond to current and future health challenges.”

A focus on strengthening clinical trials systems through collaborative network models and international partnerships was highlighted throughout the event. Speakers included:

• Dr. Rebecca Grais, Executive Director, Pasteur Network
• Dr. Vasee Moorthy, Senior Advisor, Science and Strategy, WHO
• Dr. Jessica Cowden, Deputy Director General, CARE Unit, International Vaccine Institute

Dr. Rebecca Grais, Executive Director of the Pasteur Network, said: “Strengthening clinical trials capacity is not only a scientific priority—it is fundamental to health sovereignty and preparedness. All countries need the capacity to generate and apply evidence that responds to their own public health realities and emerging threats. By building stronger collaborations across institutions and regions, we can create research ecosystems that are more equitable, resilient, and capable of delivering impact where it is most needed. This dialogue reflects the Pasteur Network’s longstanding commitment to scientific excellence, trusted partnerships, and the development of sustainable research capacities that directly support public health action.”

The first panel session, moderated by Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director of Institut Pasteur de Dakar, explored national-level system improvements to enhance efficiency in clinical trials. Panelists included:

• Dr. Vasee Moorthy, Senior Advisor, Science and Strategy, World Health Organization
• Dr. Karin Tegmark Wisell, Ambassador for Global Health, Sweden
• Dr. André Bastos Daher, Coordinator of the Fiocruz Clinical Research Platform, Brazil
• Dr. Toan Trong Nguyen, Director of Clinical Trial Unit, Institut Pasteur Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
• Dr. Nyanda Elias Ntinginya, Director of Research Coordination and Promotion, NIMR, Tanzania

A second panel session, moderated by Dr. Jessica Cowden, Deputy Director General, IVI CARE unit, outlined practical approaches to enhancing capacity, efficiency, and global collaboration across the clinical research ecosystem. Panelists included:

• Dr. Michael Makanga, Executive Director, Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking
• Dr. Melanie Saville, Chief Scientific Officer, PATH
• Dr. Florian von Groote-Bidlingmaier, Head of Clinical Research, Infectious Disease, Wellcome Trust
• Aurélia Nguyen, Deputy CEO, CEPI
• Cécile Billaux, Head of Unit, Directorate General for International Partnerships, European Commission

The event highlighted progress, challenges, and best practices, as well as innovative approaches to regulation, governance, infrastructure, and financing. Participants underscored the need for stronger partnerships and coordination across governments, donors, and research institutions to build equitable, sustainable clinical trials capacity. This will help ensure that all countries can contribute to—and benefit from—advances in health research.