Addressing Africa's under-investment in health sector

Africa's scientific research and development agenda remains heavily dependent on foreign support, limiting the continent's ability to effectively address its pressing health issues. The African Academy of Sciences has launched a groundbreaking $100 million program across 54 institutions in 21 African countries aimed at enhancing scientific research capacity. Tom Kariuki, Director of Programmes at the African Academy of Sciences, shed light on the critical need for increased investments in research and development to combat the evolving health challenges faced by the continent. Kariuki emphasized the importance of addressing the burden of infectious diseases while also tackling the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular ailments. He stressed that research and development are crucial for developing sustainable solutions and engaging scientists to drive innovation. Despite only an average of 8% of budgets being allocated to health in Africa, governments are starting to recognize the significance of science, technology, and innovation for socioeconomic development. Kariuki emphasized the need for continued dialogue with governments to illustrate the substantial returns on investment in research and development, including improved healthcare outcomes, enhanced productivity, and the advancement of knowledge-based economies. By fostering collaborations with partners across the continent, the African Academy of Sciences aims to build capacity for research and development to address the continent's health needs effectively. The $100 million program, spanning 21 African countries selected based on need and expertise, aims to support the best scientific ideas from qualified individuals working in conducive environments. Through initiatives like the DeoTAS program, which focuses on developing excellence in leadership training and sciences, the African Academy of Sciences is fostering cross-country collaborations and creating new centers of research and development excellence. The first phase of the DeoTAS program, running from 2015 to 2021, is set to pave the way for a second phase starting in 2021. With support from global funders and partners, the program aims to attract long-term investments in research and development to drive sustainable growth in the sector. As Africa strives to achieve universal health coverage by 2030, Kariuki highlighted the need to accelerate research and innovation to meet the ambitious target. Emphasizing the importance of scaling up existing innovations in maternal and child health, he outlined the crucial role that research and development play in advancing healthcare delivery and achieving sustainable development goals. By engaging in discussions with key partners like the World Health Organization, the African Academy of Sciences is at the forefront of driving innovative solutions to meet Africa's healthcare challenges and accelerate progress towards universal health coverage.