Implementation of a gene therapy education initiative by the ASGCT and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences

Abstract

There has been rapid growth in gene therapy development with an expanding list of approved clinical products. Several therapies are particularly relevant to patients in low- and middle-income countries. Moreover, investing in research and manufacturing presents an opportunity for economic development. To increase awareness of gene therapy, the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy partnered with the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania, to create a certificate-bearing course. The goal was to provide faculty teaching in graduate and medical schools with the tools needed to add gene therapy to the university curriculum. The first virtual course was held in October of 2022, and 45 individuals from 9 countries in Africa completed the training. The content was new to approximately two-thirds of participants, with the remaining third indicating that the course increased their knowledge base. The program was well received and will be adapted for other under-resourced regions.

Figure 1

Course description and objectives

Figure 2

Participant Demographic and Course Assessment (A) Participants by country. A total of 45 participants from 9 countries graduated from the course. (B) Rating parameters and feedback on the course. Attendees were asked the following questions for each of the modules. (1) How would you rate your overall experience in today’s module? (1 being not positive and 5 being very positive). (2) To what extent did the module increase your understanding of the topic? (1 being no increase and 5 being a significant increase). (3) How confident are you that you can educate others about what you have learned today? (1 being not confident and 5 being very confident). (4) How do you feel you were able to engage with the instructor? (1 being difficult to engage and 5 being easy to engage). Session 8 is not shown as fewer than 10 attendees rated the session. The number of participants providing feedback for sessions 1–7 were 35%, 66%, 46%, 39%, 44%, 67%, and 27%, respectively. (C) Participants shared their feedback about the course using the following words to describe the experience.