Pharmalys is proud to collaborate with the Mastercard Foundation in an initiative that aims to empower young people in Africa, particularly by equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the evolving field of clinical research. This collaboration, established through the launch of the Pharmalys Academy of Clinical research Excellence (PACE), has been integral in providing young talent with valuable learning opportunities and supporting their professional growth.
The Mastercard Foundation’s mission to help young people secure sustainable employment aligns seamlessly with Pharmalys’ commitment to developing a qualified workforce in clinical research. Through this partnership, Pharmalys has provided critical training and employment opportunities to a diverse group of learners and interns, ensuring they are well prepared to make meaningful contributions to the clinical research sector.
Supporting PACE Learners and Pharmalys Interns
The Mastercard Foundation’s involvement began with the sponsorship of 14 learners in the pilot cohort of PACE. Before joining the programme, these young professionals – all holding scientific degrees ranging from Master’s to Doctorates – struggled to find employment, despite their strong academic backgrounds. This challenge reflects the broader difficulties many highly educated individuals face when entering the job market, particularly in Africa.
Through PACE, they discovered the clinical research sector as a promising career path – one that not only aligns with their scientific expertise but also offers meaningful work that contributes to medical advancements and saves lives. Beyond its impact on global health, clinical research also provides competitive career opportunities, making it an attractive and sustainable option.
In addition to the sponsorship of PACE learners, the Mastercard Foundation sponsored 6 individuals to complete a one-year internship with Pharmalys at their headquarters in Dakar, Senegal. These interns have been hired across various fields, including Clinical Trials, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Accounting. With all 6 interns joining us towards the end of 2024, we look forward to having them on board and seeing all they will achieve during their time with Pharmalys.
The Mastercard Foundation’s funding enabled Pharmalys to deliver a rigorous, comprehensive training programme through the launch of PACE, equipping the pilot cohort with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in clinical research. Most of the learners completed their internships at Pharmalys, guided by mentors who helped them master the key responsibilities of a clinical research professional. The success of both PACE graduates and interns highlights the positive impact of the Mastercard Foundation’s support. Now established in their roles, these professionals continue to bring fresh perspectives and a strong commitment to their work.
The Success Story of Tiemoko
One standout graduate from the PACE pilot cohort is Tiemoko, a microbiologist from Mali, whose journey exemplifies the transformative impact of the programme. Inspired by the critical role clinical research plays in improving patients’ lives, Tiemoko joined PACE with a determination to make a meaningful contribution to health research.
The programme’s structure, provided him with the tools he needed to thrive. ‘The three-month theoretical part covered every domain of clinical research, from clinical operations to data management, ICH-GCP, and medical writing. I really appreciated that the instructors provided us with exercises, quizzes, and real-case scenarios, which helped me to get the knowledge to stick’, he shared.
As part of the programme, each learner is assigned a mentor. Tiemoko addressed that this component of PACE was especially impactful. He noted regular meetings with his mentor allowed him to seek guidance, share his challenges, and receive actionable advice. These interactions, combined with soft skills training on communication, time management, and teamwork, prepared him to excel in professional environments.
During his six-month internship at Pharmalys, Tiemoko gained invaluable experience, participating in on-site visits and documenting his learnings in an internship memoir. His exceptional performance earned him a diploma with the mention ‘With Highest Honour’ during the PACE graduation ceremony in Dakar, Senegal, in March 2024.
Since then, Tiemoko has taken on roles as a Junior Clinical Research Associate (CRA), with assignments spanning multiple countries, including Benin, Gabon, and Mali. These missions allowed him to deepen his expertise in research compliance, project initiation, and stakeholder management. His dedication and accomplishments have not gone unnoticed—he was promoted to CRA within months and was named ‘Best CRA of the Month’ in August 2024.
Reflecting on his journey, Tiemoko shared, ‘The PACE programme not only equipped me with the technical skills for clinical research but also helped me grow personally and professionally. I am excited to continue bringing my passion and commitment to every new mission.’
Building a Skilled Workforce in Clinical Research
The partnership between Pharmalys and the Mastercard Foundation has not only helped address the global need for skilled clinical research professionals but has also strengthened Pharmalys’ workforce with highly capable individuals who are already driving impactful research.
By combining education, mentorship, and practical experience, Pharmalys has established a sustainable model for workforce development with the PACE programme, ensuring a consistent pipeline of talent to meet the growing demands of the clinical research sector in Africa and beyond. Looking ahead, Pharmalys remains committed to nurturing African talent and advancing health research.
Stay tuned for more stories of how the PACE programme and its graduates are making a difference.
Milena Henderson, Project Manager, Marketing & Communications
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