The continent of Africa could be better in research and development. Yet, we spend millions yearly to run complex, intricately knitted, multi-sectoral systems, commonly called research institutes.
But Why? Does it even make sense, economically or otherwise? We have other continents that are better at this whole research thing. So why should Africa do it too? Important question. Ride with me.
Look at this. According to the 2020 GLOBOCAN data, 186,598 breast cancer cases were reported in Africa, with 85,787 related deaths. Terrible, right? But watch 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.
Case 3: During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmaceutical companies sold single vaccine doses at around $20. When we leave the emergency state, these will cost about $100 per dose. For vaccines like Pfizer needing at least 3 doses, that is about $300 per individual. Multiply that cost by 50% of the population of your African country.
Clearly, firefighting and damage control are not sustainable options for a continent where many citizens survive on less than $1 per day, and spending $5 599 on a single cancer patient robs many more related opportunities.
This example puts into context the need for research. With research, we can answer an important question with the potential to provide solutions to millions more. For example, what if people did not need 3 doses of the vaccine in Africa? What if they only need a single dose co-administered with a nutritional supplement?
How much money would we save? But we can’t know that unless we invest in answering the question.
Also, research is highly contextual. Data from Europe, America, or Asia, may not apply in Africa. The reverse is just as true. Which answers the question, why should Africa participate? See, through research; we are committing to answering good questions that will help us solve problems more efficiently.
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.
Investing in research and development is a classic example of denying temporary pleasure for future stability. We owe it to ourselves to call out our institutions on research and development matters. Climate change, pandemics, food shortage, technology gap, and mental health will only become more pronounced with less activity in research and development.
Dear young African scientist, you have a role to play in improving research on our continent. Find that role, and promise 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 they can play to fill those gaps.
