ASGCT Pilots New Course: Global Gene Therapy Training in Tanzania

In 2022, ASGCT ran the first-ever training course designed to educate faculty in sub-Saharan Africa. The course was established by of ASGCT’s Global Outreach Committee to foster equitable access to gene therapies in low- and middle-income countries by providing training opportunities and partnered educational programming with local institutions.

In this first iteration of Global Gene Therapy Training (formerly Training the Trainers), ASGCT partnered with Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) to award a certificate at the completion of the course.  

The course equipped 45 full-time academic faculty at an accredited university or medical school with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement gene therapy education into their own curriculum. This was accomplished through didactic content combined with reading materials.  

Each module included a formal presentation followed by ample time for questions. This was recorded and made available to all participants at the conclusion of the course. Content was developed by 29 members of ASGCT. Of those members, eight subject matter experts delivered presentations and selected reading materials. The course covered the following topics:  

• Genetics of human disorders 

• Gene therapy overview 

• Methods for correcting genetic diseases 

• Use of gene therapy in cancer treatment 

• Ethical issues in genetic alterations 

• Current status of clinical gene therapy 

• Regulatory aspects for gene therapy development 

• Role of patient advocacy groups and international partnerships in fostering access to novel therapies

“We are not where we were, we are not where we shall be, we are on our way” - participant Muhammad Raza, MBBS, MAMD, during the final class

The course was well-received by the participating facuty; 100% of participants surveyed said they would attend another course offered by ASGCT. Participants described the instructors as clear, well-prepared, experts in their fields, and easily accessible both during and after their respective modules.  

Engagement with instructors and between participants was high, with an average of 14 questions asked per module. Most participants said they were prepared to apply what they have learned to their current work. Most also said that the course significantly increased their understanding of the topics.  

Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, ASGCT is looking forward to repeating the Global Gene Therapy Training virtually in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023.  

Samantha Kay is ASGCT's Global Outreach Manager​. 

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