How COVID-19 Overshadowed Other Public Health, Research Issues Important to Africa

By Daniel Kamanga

The global focus on the Covid-19 pandemic has shifted focus and funding from other important science and research initiatives on the African continent.

For example, in the midst of the pandemic – after four years without a single case of wild polio – the African region was certified free of wild poliovirus. Although decades of extraordinary investment had paid off, the global media did not give this sufficient attention.

The world’s most ambitious reforestation project, the Great Green Wall of Africa, has also received muted attention. Halfway towards its anticipated 2030 completion date, the wall covers only 4% of its target area.

The project was conceived in 2007 by the African Union as a 7,000km (4,350-mile) cross-continental barrier stretching from Senegal to Djibouti that would hold back the deserts of the Sahara and Sahel. Despite its potential to improve livelihoods in one of the world’s poorest regions, its future is uncertain given the current attention on Covid-19 and donor interest in Covid-19 related projects.

Mr. Akinlabi Jimoh, Chief Editor of recently launched online Nature Africa, says: “There is urgent need to shine a light on science in Africa and the scientists contributing to solving local and global problems. We hope to tell and be part of the African growth story which often does not receive the attention it deserves.”

Mr. Jimoh was speaking at the launch of Nature Africa launch brought together top African scientists to discuss “The potential of young African scientists: How can Africa empower young researchers to lead a new science renaissance in the continent?”

The publication will inspire the next generation of young researchers and scientists. It will showcase latest research, policy, news, features, opinion and special editons from both anglo and francophone Africa. Most peer-reviewed journals place their content behind a firewall, making it difficult for young Africa researchers and scientists to access much needed knowledge. This has given rise to the rise of open-source journals.

Dr. Magdalena Skipper, Editor-in-Chief of Nature, pointed out tha African science and research is under-covered by global media. Despite this, there has been an increase in citations especially in the fields of biomedical and geoscience research. This confirms the fact that Africa has a unique and interesting contribution to global science and research.

The paradox is that Africa media doesn’t cover its own scientists and researchers. Most newspapers, TV and radio stations don’t have a dedicated team to cover this area. South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr. Buti Manamela noted that “without investments in science and research, Africa will continue to experience inequality, unemployment and poverty, especially among it’s youthful population.”

He lamented that “international cooperation instruments entrenched inequality” and called on Africa to be treated as an “equal partner” in global science and technology. But while there is need for a global fair playing ground, Africa needs to put its house in order. Most top African researchers are unacknowledged and poorly funded forcing them to look for handouts from western governments and philanthropic organizations.

Dr. Linda Arthur Brito, UNESCO’s Regional Director of Latin America and the Carribean Region underlined the need for the continent to invest in human capital, especially young scientists, researchers, educators and policymakers. She said the lack of diversity in science and research demanded support for female researchers because “women tended to choose areas that are more impactful to society.”

The paradox is that for most scientists, their area of study is determined by the availability of resources. That is why maize research is better funded than sweet-potato research. Global multilateral companies (MNCs) are able to influence multilateral funding to areas that expand their markets in Africa.

That is why Dr. Connie Nshemereirwe, an independent science and policy facilitator, says young researchers need support in mentoring and building leadership capacity. She lamented that “research agendas tend to be externally driven” and “Africa tends to be at the end of an innovation pipeline that started in the west.” Because of this “a lot of issues remain unexamined,” calling for science and researchers that have a broad perspective of issues to manage the complexities and ensure Africa benefits from various regional and international science networks.

Prof. Christian Happi from Redeemers University and also head of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) called young African scientsists and researchers to believe in themselves. He said Africa was rich in biodiversity, natural and mineral resources. “We should be leading the world in the development of drugs and vaccines.”

His view is that before looking externally, Africa should look internally. The opportunity is hidden in the fact that things are changing very fast. The Covid-19 pandemic has reminded the world of the importance of science. It’s not that science has answers to everything; the world has become too undertain and every weapon in the arsenal is important.

For Africa and the rest of the world, change is coming too fast. Science alone cannot address the complex problems society faces. It’s almost impossible to identify all the forces at play in the challenges that Africa faces. It’s time to admit that unless we have a multi-disciplinary approach, we are doomed to fail.

This is not necessarily a weak position for Africa. Our focus should be to invest in “emergent knowledge.” This requires little resources. It requires an observant and inquisitive mind. Emergent knowledge is what is missing in the current conversation, whatever the research may be about. Good science is not merely about quality labs and great analysis; that comes after a curious mind, believing in yourself and not always looking for others to solve your problems.

*Daniel Kamanga is the Executive Director of the Africa Leadership Transformation (ALT) Foundation and a member of the One Africa Initiative (OAI)