Africa’s greatest health challenges won’t be solved without female scientists

We are two African women scientists working in infectious disease and tropical medicine research.

Throughout our careers, we have led clinical trials and disease surveillance initiatives, strengthened research capacity across the continent, and helped develop life-saving diagnostics and medicines.

Along the way, we have mentored young scientists, ensuring the next generation is equipped to drive Africa’s scientific progress forward.

We have headed departments and institutions, shaped policies, and received global recognition for our work.

And yet, after decades in these fields, proving that female scientists are equally competent when given opportunities, we still often find ourselves as the only African women in rooms where scientific breakthroughs and critical decisions are made.

We still see very few women heading research programmes, leading research studies as principal investigators, securing grants, or publishing papers.

This observation is backed by a UN Women report which found that only 31% of researchers in sub-Saharan Africa are women.

This low representation in research has led to critical gaps in scientific inquiry and healthcare policy.

For example, diseases like schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths have severe reproductive health consequences and increase pregnancy risks, but these gendered effects are rarely prioritised in research.

And despite women making up 64% of adults living with HIV in Africa, sex-specific responses to prevention and treatment remain largely unexplored.

Additionally, women of childbearing age are often excluded from clinical trials, leaving them without access to some life-saving treatments and with limited or unsafe options.