A public health challenge
Africa has not yet completed its epidemiological transition and faces a dual challenge: on the one hand, eradicating endemic diseases such as AIDS, malaria, or tuberculosis and, on the other hand, fighting the development of chronic diseases (diabete, cancer) and diseases linked to the aging of the population, such as Alzheimer’s, which are increasing at an alarming rate. While Africa alone accounts for 25% of the global burden of disease, it is home to only 1.3% of healthcare professionals.
Although African expertise is abundant, the global imbalance of knowledge and its distribution is in favour of Western countries, where the African diaspora is significant, particularly professionals in the scientific and medical fields. Estimated at 2.6 %, African scientific production on a global scale could be enhanced by increasing exchanges and connections between experts. Furthermore, in the face of disparities in access to medical care, digital technology and artificial intelligence provide effective and inexpensive solutions. ICTs, through their massive use and their presence in remote areas, will make it possible to provide a better response to epidemics.
* Source : Institut Montaigne