Khadijah Aliyu-Nigeria
The President of the Congolese Foundation for Medical Research, Prof Francine Ntoumi, and the Head of Public Health Department at Amadou Hampton Ba, University in Senegal, Prof Issaka Diallo have called for urgent investment in innovation and health sovereignty across Africa.
They made the call during a One Health Africa webinar titled “From Declaration to Action: Toward Integrated Health, Environment, and Nutrition Systems to Address Global Crisis,” organized by Galien Africa in Collaboration with REMAPSEN.
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Speaking during the panel session, Prof. Ntoumi and Prof. Diallo emphasized that health sovereignty goes beyond political declarations, describing it as the ability of countries to protect their populations, make independent decisions, and respond swiftly to health emergencies.
They noted that disruptions in global supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed Africa’s vulnerability and dependence on external systems.
“Health sovereignty cannot exist without innovation,”they said, stressing the need for Africa to develop technologies suited to its local realities and build accessible institutional solutions.
They further argued that Africa must move beyond being a consumer of imported technologies and instead position itself as a hub for transformation, innovation, and strategic leadership.
They added that strengthening local production of medicines and preventive tools would not only reduce dependence but also create jobs and boost economic growth.
They also highlighted the importance of investing in research and human capital, particularly among young scientists, to build sustainable health systems capable of responding to recurring outbreaks such as cholera and other pandemics.
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They reinforced that health sovereignty does not imply isolation but rather the capacity for autonomous action in producing, regulating, and determining appropriate health responses.
They emphasised the need for “frugal innovation,” which focuses on simple, cost-effective, and locally adaptable solutions, including mobile health technologies and the integration of artificial intelligence using African-generated data.
According to them, Africa currently produces less than 20 percent of the medicines it consumes, a situation he described as unsustainable.
They called for stronger partnerships to develop local manufacturing capacity, optimize existing value chains, and improve access to medical equipment across the continent.
They also identified inadequate funding as a major barrier, noting that research investment in many African countries remains below one percent of GDP.
They stressed the need for increased financing, improved governance, and the development of skilled human capital, including specialists and innovators in the health sector.
They added that universities and the private sector must play a leading role in training the next generation of health professionals and innovators.
Both experts agreed that strong regulatory systems are essential to ensure Africa’s autonomy in managing its health sector and responding effectively to future crises.
They concluded that achieving health sovereignty in Africa requires collective effort across governments, institutions, and communities, as well as sustained investment in innovation, research, and local capacity development.