African health research hits financing crisis

African and global health leaders have warned of a deepening financing crisis that threatens the stability of health research systems in low and middle income countries even as new scientific advances signal growing momentum across the continent.

In a recent commentary published in The Lancet, co-authored by Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) chief executive officer Thomas Kariuki and other global health advocates, they caution that underinvestment in research is weakening national systems and multi-country collaborations.

The paper stresses that, “health sovereignty can only be realised through robust domestic research and innovation capacity.”

It argues that many countries remain heavily dependent on external funding, limiting their ability to set and sustain their own research priorities.

The scale of the financing gap is significant and the commentary notes that over half of countries, mostly low and middle income nations, currently spend less than 0.05 per cent of their GDP on health research.

It adds that achieving true sovereignty would require nations to reach at least two per cent of their total health expenditure on essential national research.

The imbalance is also visible in global knowledge production.

Between 2010 and 2014, nearly 80 per cent of health research publications originated from high income countries, a pattern that continues to shape global science.

Researchers also warned that unstable, short term funding models are putting pressure on the scientific workforce.

Women and early career researchers are particularly affected, increasing the risk of what the report describes as a growing “brain drain” from already fragile systems.

The authors call for a shift in how governments view research investment.

“Domestic Investment as Policy” is highlighted as a key approach, framing health research not as a standalone activity but as a driver of broader social and economic development.

“Countries should align research with national priorities rather that external agendas. There should also be investments in digital systems and artificial intelligence to support scientific growth,” the report urged.

Equitable global partnerships are also emphasised, including fair intellectual property arrangements and shared ownership of data and research outputs.

Alongside concerns about financing, new developments in African science are showing signs of progress.

The SFA Foundation highlights expansion in longitudinal health studies across the continent.

These studies now involve more than seven million participants and are generating large scale data on genetics, environment, and disease patterns.

The Foundation noted that, “The imperative now is to sustain this momentum as global science advances at unprecedented speed.”

It further added that integrating genomics, stronger data systems and improved governance is helping to close long standing gaps in global health research.

Africa’s experience in managing outbreaks is also shaping its scientific capacity.

“Research is also expanding in mental health, particularly among young people. Studies are examining the combined impact of unemployment, urbanisation, climate stress, conflict and digital exposure on youth wellbeing. This work is contributing to new approaches to mental healthcare across different regions,” the report said.

Women’s health is another growing area of focus.

They said research is shedding light on conditions that have historically been underdiagnosed, including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and menopause related health challenges.

This is helping to improve diagnosis and treatment approaches within health systems

On the other hand, climate and health research is also gaining attention, particularly on climate sensitive diseases, food systems and environmental health risks.

The SFA Foundation said these developments point to a broader shift in African science toward stronger leadership and locally driven research agendas.

“Continued investment and equitable partnerships will be critical to ensuring that African institutions are not only participants in global science but key drivers of it.”