Amplifying African leadership in health research

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:

• Promote continental priorities in research, development and innovation (R&D&I).
• Increase the visibility and credibility of African expertise.
• Influence policies and drive investments in African-led health solutions.

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 (2020 – 2021)

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:

• Supported 18 leading African scientists and public health experts.
• Engaged 4 countries: Senegal, South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.
• Secured 29 major media appearances (BBC Afrique, Jeune Afrique, TV5 Monde, The East African, etc.) reaching over 500 million people per month.
• Reached more than 21,000 people on social media with #AfricanVoicesofScience.

Champions of the Pilot Phase

 

Carol-Ann Benn

Fellow of the College of Surgeons of South Africa

 

Thumbi Mwangi

Infectious Disease Epidemiologist, South Africa

 

Glenda Gray

President and CEO, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

 

Dr. Neema Kaseje

Pediatric Surgeon & Public Health Specialist, Surgical Systems Research Group, Kisumu, Kenya

 

Samba Sow

Director-General, Center for Vaccine Development in Mali; former Minister of Health of Mali

 

Claudia Gray

Pediatrician and Allergy Specialist, South Africa

 

Dr. Clement Meseko

Veterinary Research Officer, National Veterinary Research Institute, Nigeria

 

Awa Marie Coll-Seck

Chair of the Galien Forum Africa, Senegal

 

Christian T. Happi

Director, African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Nigeria

The Second Edition
(2025 – 2026)

The second edition of AVoS brought together champions from Kenya, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa.

Objectives:

• Advocate for a more enabling policy environment for African-led health research.
• Promote increased investment in R&D&I across the continent.
• Highlight African scientific successes and innovations.
• Contribute to the SDGs and support the African Union’s vision of health sovereignty.

Champions of AVoS II

Côte d’Ivoire

 

Dr. Raymonde Goudou Coffie

Minister, Governor of the Autonomous District of Lacs

 

Dr. David Téa Okou

Clinical Molecular Geneticist, Founder of YTO Foundation

 

Dr. Christian Rusangwa

Director of Technical Assistance, Muso Health

 

Dr. Jaurès Yapi

Medical Microbiologist, Institut Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire

 

Dr. Safiatou Coulibaly

Coordinator, Genetics and Cancer Laboratory, Institut Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire

Kenya

 

Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u

Director of Basic and Translational Science, AHRI; Visiting Professor of Virology and HIV Immunology, Imperial College London

 

Mr. Johnpaul Omollo

Public Health Professional and Health Policy Strategist

 

Mrs. Julie Muriuki

Gender Equality Advocate and Associate Consultant, Nia Delta

 

Dr. Robert Karanja

Founder and Executive Director, Biolinx Africa

 

Dr. Lisa Micheni

Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology, Pwani University

Senegal

 

Dr. Moussa Sarr

Principal Investigator and Head of the Cooperation Group at the Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF)

 

Prof. Coumba Touré Kane

Professor of Microbiology and Virology, UCAD

 

Mrs. Marième Gueye

Researcher in Biofabrication and Regenerative Medicine, Utrecht University

 

Prof. Anta Tal-Dia

Professor of Public Health, UCAD; Member of the National Academy of Sciences and Technology of Senegal

 

Dr. Babacar Gueye

Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene

South Africa

 

Ms. Glaudina Loots

Director of Health Innovation, Department of Science and Innovation

 

Dr. Nothando Ngwenya

Head of Social Science and Research Ethics, African Health Research Institute

 

Prof. Ntobeko Ntusi

CEO, South African Medical Research Council

 

Dr. Russell Rensburg

Director, Rural Health Advocacy Project; advocate for equitable access to quality healthcare in rural communities