KEMRI official urges African govts to commit 2pc of GDP to research

Nairobi, Kenya – African governments have been urged to dedicate a minimum of 2 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to research and development, according to Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi, a senior principal clinical research scientist at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). Bukusi highlighted that insufficient funding is impeding African scientists from converting research findings into practical solutions for health issues impacting women across the continent.

Despite possessing scientific talent, Africa lacks the necessary opportunities, training, and financial support for developing locally relevant innovations.

"Bright minds exist on this continent," Bukusi stated, "but we are lacking the opportunity, training, and funding to turn their ideas into products that can improve people's lives." The remarks were made during the Women's Health Ecosystem Forum, which gathers researchers and stakeholders to enhance research capacity and innovation in women's health.

Bukusi noted that underinvestment in women's health is partly due to commercial considerations, with drug developers often focusing on products for wealthier populations. This funding gap has left several conditions affecting women under-researched and inadequately addressed, with consequences extending beyond maternal health.

Bukusi called for a more comprehensive understanding of women's health, covering the entire life course, including adolescence, menstruation, reproductive years, and menopause. She emphasized that conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, fibroids, and endometriosis are often normalized, despite their impact on women's education, work, and quality of life.

Many women experience heavy menstrual bleeding and painful periods, which can lead to missed school days and working hours, affecting their productivity and economic participation.

African countries must invest in research to gather reliable data on women's health challenges, Bukusi warned. Without adequate evidence, policy decisions risk overlooking critical needs. She pointed out that solutions developed outside Africa may not address the continent's realities, citing the example of vaccines requiring reliable refrigeration and cold-chain infrastructure in areas with limited electricity and storage facilities.

Bukusi stressed that strengthening local research and innovation would enable African scientists to develop products tailored to the continent's needs and circumstances.

"The time has come for governments to back their words with funding," she declared. "We need to save women's lives and ensure they live full, productive lives. It's time to put our money where our mouths are."