Trials and Triumph: Clinical Research Chronicles
October 2025 Edition
Welcome Message
Welcome to the October 2025 edition of Trials and Triumph: Clinical Research Chronicles.
This month, we celebrate remarkable milestones that reflect how CCTRIS continues to strengthen health systems through collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based impact.
From the close-out of the IVON-PP Trial in Abuja, which is shaping maternal health policy, to strengthening South–South research partnerships in Kenya, and showcasing Nigeria's leadership at the FIGO World Congress in South Africa, October has been a powerful reminder of what African research excellence looks like on the global stage.
As we advance our collective vision, we remain committed to ensuring that the systems supporting health and research are resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive.
Health Systems Research Lead, CCTRIS-UNILAG
IVON-PP Close-Out and Dissemination Ceremony – Abuja, Nigeria
Last month, we spotlighted the upcoming close-out of the landmark IVON-PP Trial (Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose versus oral ferrous sulphate for the treatment of moderate to severe postpartum anaemia in Nigerian women). This October, that milestone became reality.
The event, which took place at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja and was broadcast on AIT and Arise TV, brought together policymakers, researchers, and health partners to reflect on the trial's findings and their implications for maternal and newborn health policy in Nigeria.
Over the past three years, the IVON-PP Trial enrolled 1,400 postpartum women across 20 sites in Lagos, Kwara, Kano, and Rivers States, generating critical evidence on safer and more effective treatment for postpartum anaemia.
The dissemination meeting marked a turning point, translating data into dialogue and research into reform. Discussions centered on how findings can inform national guidelines, strengthen maternal care delivery, and ensure that postpartum women receive evidence-based treatment options.
The ceremony reinforced CCTRIS's role as a bridge between science and policy, advancing locally led solutions that align with global maternal-health priorities.
CCTRIS at FIGO World Congress 2025 – Cape Town, South Africa
Still on the effectiveness and safety of intravenous iron, the trial titled "Intravenous iron versus oral iron for the treatment of anaemia in Nigerian women (IVON Trial)" continues to gain international recognition, this time, at the FIGO World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics held in Cape Town, South Africa.
One of our papers from the trial was accepted for poster presentation and presented by our very own Hameed Adelabu, Senior Data Manager at the Centre for Clinical Trials Research and Implementation Science (CCTRIS).
The presentation, "Mitigating Ethical Challenges in Maternal Health Research: Insights from the IVON Trial in Nigeria," highlighted the innovative ethical frameworks developed within the IVON programme and showcased CCTRIS's leadership in advancing responsible, people-centred maternal health research.
This recognition comes at a pivotal moment for global maternal care, as intravenous iron has now been formally recommended in the new FIGO–WHO–ICM Joint Guideline for the management of maternal anaemia. The update is supported by growing global evidence, including findings from the IVON Trial, underscoring both its effectiveness and safety in improving maternal health outcomes.
Strengthening South–South Partnerships – CCTRIS in Kenya
Earlier this month, the CCTRIS team visited Kenya for a series of high-level engagements with the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, and Amref International University (AMIU).
The visit aimed to deepen South–South collaboration in clinical research, implementation science, and maternal and child health, while exploring new frontiers in oncology, chronic diseases, and community health.
During discussions, several promising pathways emerged ranging from joint grant development, data science capacity building, collaborative clinical trials, and academic exchange programmes that foster mentorship and shared learning.
"We're excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as we strengthen partnerships grounded in science, collaboration, and shared purpose, building a future where African-led initiatives drive innovation and impact."
Prof. Bosede Afolabi
Keynote Lecture – The Future of Research and Its Potential Impact on Society
At the commissioning ceremony of the Kensington Adebukola Adebutu Research Centre (KAARC), Prof. Bosede B. Afolabi, Director of CCTRIS, delivered a keynote lecture titled "The Future of Research and Its Potential Impact on Society."
She was invited to give the lecture in honour of the new facility, which is fully dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and discovery; a fitting tribute to her outstanding contributions and leadership in clinical research.
In her lecture, Prof. Afolabi reflected on the transformative power of research in driving societal progress and improving health outcomes. She also highlighted the groundbreaking work being done at CCTRIS, emphasizing how the Centre continues to bridge science and practice through evidence generation, implementation, and collaboration.
Her address reaffirmed CCTRIS's vision of a future where research excellence directly informs policy, strengthens systems, and transforms lives.
Celebrating Excellence
- Prof. Titilope Adenike Adeyemo was inducted as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria (FAMedS); an honour recognising her exceptional contributions to medical research and leadership.
- Dr. Opeyemi Akinajo, previously featured for representing CCTRIS at Goalkeepers 2025, successfully defended her Doctoral thesis at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.
Upcoming Academic Seminar – Designing and Managing Clinical Trials in 2025
Join us for the CCTRIS Academic Seminar titled "Designing and Managing Clinical Trials in 2025", featuring distinguished experts from the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Nottingham (UK).
📅 Date: Tuesday, 4th November 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM (WAT)
📍 Venue: Old Great Hall, College of Medicine, University of Lagos
Chief Host: Professor A. A. Oremosu — Provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos
Host: Dr. Kehinde Okunade — Phase I & II Clinical Trial Lead, CCTRIS
Co-Host: Professor Fasanmade Olufemi — Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, CMUL
Guest Speakers:
- Prof. Kate Walker, Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit
- Prof. Eleanor Mitchell, Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit
This seminar will explore the evolving landscape of clinical trial design, ethics, and data management continuing CCTRIS' mission to build capacity and foster collaboration for the future of research in Africa.
🔗 Register: https://forms.gle/pFZsJ8YasqYPP8RT9
Did You Know?
🌍 Did you know? The FIGO World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics is one of the largest global gatherings advancing women's health. This year's edition featured over 8,000 delegates from more than 130 countries, including CCTRIS researchers showcasing Nigeria's leadership in ethical maternal health research.