This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
Published on May 19, 2020, by NERIMA WAKO-OJIWA
When it comes to matters of development, data-driven research is crucial for creating sustainable plans of action. However, in Africa, the seriousness of data collection is often misunderstood.
Working in the youth sector, it's challenging to find information on young people. The questions asked during data collection are just as important as the conclusions and purpose of the research.
During the pandemic, we've heavily relied on healthcare workers and those in the sector. But how much do we care about biological research? In the past, diseases like AIDS were at the forefront of every country's planning, with countries struggling to find a cure and a way to curb its spread.
US President George W. Bush's administration launched the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), providing $80 billion for HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and research. This was the largest global health program focused on a single disease, and its ripple effect was felt in Africa. For Kenya, people gained access to ARVs, counseling, and free testing.
As countries rush to produce a COVID-19 vaccine, the focus is on finding a cure. However, once a vaccine is produced, ethical questions will arise. Will countries have to pay for it? Who gets the vaccine first?
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey recently announced that employees can work from home permanently. Companies are already making plans for the new normal. Alex Gorsky, CEO of Johnson and Johnson, notes that every business leader will become a health leader in the future, as they'll need to think of ways to keep employees and customers safe.
It's a shame that Africa's lack of preparedness in health investment has been highlighted. The continent's limited ICU beds and ventilators serve millions of citizens. However, there's been positive news about research and locally invented equipment in response to the pandemic. Our leaders need to heavily invest in this.
Nerima Wako-Ojiwa is the executive director of Siasa Place (@NerimaW).
