Written by Kanigula Mubagwa, Jules Bashi and Bonnix Kayabu | From PLOS Blogs
An International Center for Advanced Research and Training (ICART) has been launched in Panzi, Bukavu, in the South-Kivu Province of the DR Congo. This province has suffered many wars over decades and is trying to recover. ICART is organizing its first symposium. How is scientific research of help for the recovery?
Good research usually requires well-trained scientists, infrastructure and equipment. Africa is the continent least resourced in these elements. Yet there are many issues on the continent that need the kind of solutions that come from research. Poverty and lack of research are related, one favoring the other, but it is possible to break this vicious circle. First, there are now many well-trained Africans, living either on the continent or in the diaspora, who can sustain some level of research work. Secondly, some types of research do not necessarily require great capital investment.
Thirdly, international collaborations offer access to mutually beneficial shared expertise and resources. Finally, some problems in Africa can best be addressed by the unique experience of the African researchers themselves. Such problems are illustrated by the current epidemics of hemorrhagic fever or the persistent high prevalence of genital fistulae or child malnutrition.
On the scientific research front Africa displays a large diversity. There are continental superpowers such as South Africa and Egypt, which by themselves account for nearly 50% of all research output of the continent.
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