The African Voices of Science (AVoS) initiative was launched in 2020 by Speak Up Africa to amplify the voices of African researchers and health experts. Its mission is to:
By highlighting local expertise, AVoS contributes to improving health outcomes, strengthening health security, and unlocking the economic potential of Africa’s health sector.
The pilot phase of AVoS was implemented at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to provide a platform for trusted African science leaders to share reliable information and counter misinformation that was undermining public health measures.
Key achievements:
Champions of the Pilot Phase
Fellow of the College of Surgeons of South Africa
Infectious Disease Epidemiologist, South Africa
President and CEO, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
Pediatric Surgeon & Public Health Specialist, Surgical Systems Research Group, Kisumu, Kenya
Director-General, Center for Vaccine Development in Mali; former Minister of Health of Mali
Pediatrician and Allergy Specialist, South Africa
Veterinary Research Officer, National Veterinary Research Institute, Nigeria
Chair of the Galien Forum Africa, Senegal
Director, African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Nigeria
The second edition of AVoS brought together champions from Kenya, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa.
Objectives:
Champions of AVoS II
Côte d’Ivoire
Minister, Governor of the Autonomous District of Lacs
Clinical Molecular Geneticist, Molecular Biologist, Researcher and Scientific Consultant, Founder of the YTO Foundation
Director of Technical Assistance, Muso
Microbiologist, Lecturer and researcher, Pasteur Institute
Coordinator, Genetics and Cancer Laboratory, Pasteur Institute
Kenya
Director for Basic and Translational Science at AHRI, Professor of Infectious Diseases, University College London
Public Health Professional and Health Policy Strategist
Champion for Economic Empowerment, Gender Mainstreaming Advocate
Founder and Executive Director, Biolinx Africa
Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology, Pwani University
Senegal
Senior Researcher, Head of Business Development and Cooperation Group, IRESSEF
Professor at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, researcher specializing in microbiology and virology of infectious diseases
Researcher in Biofabrication and Regenerative Medicine, Utrecht University
Pediatrician, Professor of Public Health (ER)/FMPO/UCAD, Member of the National Academy of Sciences and Techniques
Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene
South Africa
Director of Health Innovation, Department of Science and Innovation
Head of Social Science and Research Ethics, African Health Research Institute
President and Chief Executive Officer, South African Medical Research Council
Director, Rural Health Advocacy Project; advocate for equitable access to quality healthcare in rural communities
Group Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, Aurum Institute