
Africa’s Disease Burden Remains Invisible in Global Clinical Trials
Africa carries about a quarter of the global disease burden and around 20% of the population, yet its communities are underrepresented in leading randomized trials. An analysis of 2,472 trials from 2019–2024 found only 3.9% conducted exclusively in Africa, with just 0.6% of major cardiovascular trials Africa-only. This underrepresentation undermines external validity and the applicability of results to African populations, while infectious diseases still dominate Africa-based research even as non-communicable diseases rise. The piece argues for Africa-led research, ring-fenced funding, regional trial networks, and better reporting of trial diversity to align global medical knowledge with Africa’s health reality.












