CONTEXT!
One important characteristic of research is that it is highly contextual. Data from Europe, America, or Asia, may not apply in Africa. At least not directly. The reverse is just as true.
Which then answers the question, why should Africa participate in research? See, through research, we are committing to answering good questions that will help us solve our problems more efficiently.
Consider this:
CASE 1: In Addis Ababa, the unit cost of treatment for a hypothetical breast cancer patient to complete her treatment was US$ 536 for stage I and US$ 705 for stage II and III using the existing infrastructure. This cost increased to US$ 955 for stage I and US$ 1157 for stages II and III when infrastructure amortization was considered.
CASE 2: In Eswatini, average cost-per-patient for radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other non-medical direct costs (transport and lodging) were the highest cost drivers recording $16,648, $7,498 and $5,959, respectively, whilst indirect costs, including productive loss due to sick leave and pre-mature mortality, was estimated at $58,320 and $113,760 respectively.
The burden of cancer on the continent is heavy. Our task is to lift the burden by finding options that fit our context. For a continent struggling economically, the cost of the curative approach would be more expensive than the preventive approach.
In this case, our task is to invest in systems that will help us understand how well we can address the burden. This way must be both scalable and economical. It must be a solution that meets us in our context. That is where research becomes important!
By investing in research and development, we are keeping two promises.
1). The promise we made to our forefathers to keep their work of fighting for a better future going.
2). The promise we made to posterity to leave them a world better than we found.
Dear young African scientist, you have a role to play in improving research on our continent. Part of that role is holding our systems accountable. Another is finding your specific duty and promising to do it to the best of your ability.
The task for Today: Find a research institute near you. Ask them how they are faring. Ask them what gaps they have and what role you can play to fill those gaps.
