How To Build Trust and Engage Patients in African Clinical Trials with Dr Sam Mbunya

Discover how global sponsors and CROs can optimize clinical trial outsourcing and patient engagement in Africa by addressing cultural, operational, and regulatory complexities from day one.

GuestDr. Sam MbunyaGlobal Patient Advocate; Consultant in Patient Education, Advocacy & Program Management Focus: Sickle cell disease, hemophilia, rare blood disorders, and cancer in African regions Based in Malmö, Sweden; Active in global project collaborations (US, Kenya, African universities)

Episode OverviewThis session, recorded live at COG Nordics, features a practical fireside chat with Dr. Sam Mbunya—an experienced patient advocate and program consultant—exploring the real-world nuances of launching and sustaining clinical trial operations in Africa. The discussion moves beyond broad generalizations, highlighting how local context, community trust, and operational diligence are critical in clinical trial outsourcing and CRO selection for African sites.

Key topics include the operational and cultural barriers sponsors often overlook, such as health literacy, transport, family decision dynamics, and the legacy of previous studies. Dr. Mbunya outlines best practices for early and ongoing engagement with patient groups, community leaders, and local health systems, emphasizing why these steps are essential for both participant protection and long-term study viability.

Listeners working in clinical operations, clinical trial outsourcing, and CRO/vendor management will find actionable strategies for designing studies that respect local realities. The conversation also explores how partnerships, clear communication, and data stewardship can help sponsors and CROs avoid common pitfalls and deliver on inclusion goals—turning compliance into true community impact and clinical study optimization.

Key Moments00:00:20 – Why Africa is not a single trial environment and the operational impact of country and community diversity

00:02:53 – The health literacy gap: How poor understanding of diseases and research affects trial recruitment and retention

00:04:21 – Patient “hope” vs. informed participation: Why transparent communication matters in clinical trial outsourcing settings

00:06:03 – Addressing practical barriers such as transport, family dynamics, and cultural decision-making during CRO selection and protocol development

00:08:02 – The pitfalls of a “one size fits all” approach: Communicating and customizing study materials for multilingual, multicultural settings

00:10:09