Table 4.

Summary of monitoring and evaluation findings based on the six outlined best practices in the Framework and Best Practices for Training Initiatives of Health Professionals in low-income countries

Anticipated best practices	Findings
Alignment with local priorities	- Participants quickly applied their new knowledge, effectively supporting their local institutions’ objectives. - Participants exchanged personal insights and problem-solving approaches, with the learning activities tailored to address authentic challenges encountered in their fields.
Country ownership	- Transfer of the program to Addis Ababa University from FCD facilitated country ownership
Pedagogic innovation	- Downloadable content with offline access enabled participants to work offline, uploading their work to forums upon reconnecting. - Moodle LMS provided convenient access for participants to course materials, interactions, and submissions. - VoiceThread enhanced dynamic teaching, enabling interactive sessions and real-time addressing of academic challenges. - Zoom tutorials generally satisfactory, minor audio/connection issues reported. - Assessment strategies included forum participation, quizzes, and group assignments, promoting active participation and engagement. - Course leaders’ proactive follow-up boosted participant confidence, ensuring continued engagement.
Institutional capacity building	- Training local faculty on the design and management of the course as part of knowledge transfer component enhanced local capacity. - Utilization of local institution-hosted digital course delivery and management platforms enhanced capacity managing training locally.
Sustainability strategy	- The local partner institution becomes a sustainable clinical trial training hub for Africa
Long-lasting partnerships	- Involving academic and product development partners in the program team, such as FCD, FIND, IAVI, MMV, PATH, TB Alliance, and TDR, fostered enduring partnerships. - The program cultivated formal and informal partnerships among participants, likely persisting post-course. - Top students invited to join a two-year MSc in Clinical Trials program at CDT-Africa Addis Ababa University.

FDC Faculty of Capacity Development, FIND Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, MMV Medicines for Malaria Venture, IAVI International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, PATH Program for Appropriate Technology in Health, TDR Training in Tropical Diseases, CDT-Africa Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa