Disruptions and reductions in global health financing have prompted increased, urgent calls for Africa to become more self-sufficient in research, development and production of health solutions, reports Business Day.
Leading scientists from eight African countries recently highlighted the dire need for Africa-led action to strengthen the continent’s health Research and Development (R&D) ecosystem, citing the turmoil in international health financing that is threatening access to healthcare and stalling innovation.
In a commentary published in Nature Health, 14 Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellows from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe outlined practical reforms aimed at unlocking Africa’s health research potential.
They wrote that the shifting global funding landscape has exposed long-standing structural weaknesses in the continent’s R&D systems, escalating the need for locally-driven solutions.
While policy frameworks exist at national and regional levels, persistent operational barriers continue to undermine progress, they observed.
Professor Nicki Tiffin, lead author of the commentary and deputy director of the South African National Bioinformatics Institute at the University of the Western Cape, noted that many of these challenges are solvable through targeted, context-specific interventions.
“While a number of barriers facing health researchers are complex, many are operational and can be addressed by aligning solutions to local needs and realities,” Tiffin said.
The Fellows have proposed urgent action across six priority areas. These include building a sustainable, private sector-led product development ecosystem to accelerate innovation and commercialisation; creating diversified domestic financing for R&D through public, private and philanthropic investment; and strengthening human capital through clearer career pathways and expanded access to STEM education.
They also called for improved health data ecosystems and digital infrastructure, more resilient supply chains to support local production, and an inclusive research culture rooted in equity, mentorship, ethical practice, and excellence.
Highlighting supply chain challenges, Professor Iruka Okeke of the University of Ibadan said inefficiencies in procurement and logistics remain a major bottleneck for African researchers, but pointed to lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic as proof that reform is achievable.
The call comes amid growing frustration within Africa’s scientific community over what many describe as performative reform efforts that fail to deliver tangible change.
The authors highlighted the need for delivery-focused, locally grounded solutions that leverage existing capacity and resources.
“This is not a wish list, it is an invitation to act together, using approaches that are already within reach. Africa’s health challenges are urgent, but so are the solutions,” said Professor Tom Kariuki, CEO of the Science for Africa Foundation, which supports the Fellowship’s communications
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