"Les Voix africaines de la science" : L’Afrique ne pèse que 2 % dans les essais cliniques mondiaux (Dr Babacar Guèye)
As funding for health and research remains insufficient in Africa, the organization Speak Up Africa has launched the second edition of the “African Voices of Science” program in Senegal (Saly). The initiative aims to strengthen advocacy for increased mobilization of financial resources for research, development, and innovation on the continent.
This event, which brings together around twenty scientists from Senegal, Ivory Coast, Kenya and South Africa, aims to strengthen the visibility and influence of African researchers in scientific and political debates, while emphasizing the need for sustainable funding for research and health.
After a first edition marked by the fight against disinformation during the Covid-19 pandemic, this new phase aims to position African science as a driving force for development and health sovereignty.
"The goal is to enable African scientists to bring their own solutions and interact effectively with the media. Being a scientist often means staying in laboratories or ministries, far from the spotlight. We want to give them the tools they need to make their voices heard," explains Yaye Safietou Diop, Director of Partnership and Development at Speak Up Africa.
Through this initiative, the organization also aims to draw decision-makers' attention to the need to allocate more resources to research and innovation. "Research and innovation issues must be integrated into public health policies. We must also mobilize more funding to support projects led by African researchers and startups," adds Ms. Diop.
Dr. Babacar Guèye, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, welcomed Senegal's choice to host this meeting. "This initiative helps make Africa's scientific voice more visible and audible, both continentally and globally," he said.
According to him, one of the main challenges remains Africa's low share of global clinical trials, estimated at less than 2%. "It is important that clinical trials are conducted in Africa, for Africans, and by Africans. This contributes to the continent's pharmaceutical sovereignty," he insisted.
Dr. Guèye also emphasized the need to pool efforts between African countries. "Instead of competing, we must collaborate. If one country produces anticancer drugs and another antibiotics, we can share the African market and strengthen our health independence," he said.
Discussions also focused on promoting prevention and public health, as well as sustainable financing for the sector. "Financing remains the key," Dr. Guèye said, continuing: "We must increase domestic financing, mobilize the private sector, and ensure efficient use of resources."
With this program, Speak Up Africa aims to contribute to the emergence of a new generation of African scientists capable of influencing public policies, popularizing their work and strengthening the continent's scientific sovereignty.
Commentaires (4)
Well Gueye do something about it. Ain’t you a doctor ?
C'est là d'ou nous a ammené le système Francais
Enfin un scientifique factuel qui indique la réalité, qui peut nous dire le dernier médicament impactant découvert en Afrique par des Africains... Il est temps de se remettre en question
Les africains doivent mettre le focus sur ce qu ils sont capables de régler.
La France n a pas pu trouver un vaccin contre la covid mais à combattu cette maladie.
Ce qui est à notre portée, c est d avoir des structures sanitaires correctes. Réglons d abord ce problème.
La découverte de médicaments nécessitent des budgets que nos états n ont pas ou ne mettent pas.
Alors, essayons d avoir les bons médicaments.
Au Sénégal, les autorités ne sont même pas capables de nommer les bonnes personnes, dans la santé et ailleurs.
Comment faire marcher les choses dans ces conditions ?
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