The Fight to Contain Deadly Contagion: Spotlight on Africa
In the remote, conflict-prone areas of Africa, a dedicated group of scientists and medical professionals is engaged in a battle against some of the world’s deadliest diseases. They operate in countries where health spending is low and resources are scarce, yet their efforts have global implications. As the world grapples with the ongoing threat of pandemics, these experts play a pivotal role in identifying, tracking, and countering emerging pathogens on the continent that has been the cradle of devastating diseases, including yellow fever, HIV, Ebola, and Lassa fever.
The Rising Threat of Emerging Diseases
Recently, the emergence of a new strain of the monkeypox virus in central Africa has underscored the urgency of strengthening local health responses. Factors such as climate change, urbanization, deforestation, and intensive livestock farming are not only altering ecosystems but also accelerating the emergence of contagious diseases. The need for early detection and rapid response has never been more critical, and a cadre of local experts is stepping up to meet this challenge.
Key Figures on the Frontlines
Among these unsung heroes is Ibrahima Socé Fall, a seasoned infectious disease epidemiologist from Senegal, who heads the World Health Organization’s neglected tropical diseases program. With over three decades of experience, Fall has been instrumental in training local medical teams to not only combat endemic diseases like malaria but also prepare for dangerous outbreaks. He emphasizes the shift in capabilities, stating, “In 2016-2017, we were sending samples to Europe and the US to confirm Ebola and Lassa fever. Now, we can do it in Africa.” This shift reflects a growing capacity for self-sufficiency in diagnosing and analyzing diseases within the continent.
Another key figure is Marietjie Venter, a virologist at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, who has played a crucial role in establishing infectious disease surveillance networks across Africa. These initiatives have allowed for the rapid development of diagnostics and vaccines tailored to local needs. She notes, “At the moment, mpox is interesting for the world, but there are many diseases that occur here that don’t get the attention they need. It’s important that we identify them locally, but then also find solutions locally.”
Facing Ecological Challenges
The effects of global warming are starkly evident in Africa, impacting the spread of vector-borne diseases such as Zika, dengue, and Rift Valley fever. Venter stresses that despite having limited resources, Africa is at the forefront of addressing 21st-century health threats. “We are right in the middle of it. Although we may have limited resources, we basically use the opportunities that we have here," she explains.
In another corner of the continent, Shabir Madhi, a pediatrician and vaccinologist also at the University of the Witwatersrand, highlights the importance of combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections through immunization efforts. He reflects on a cultural shift in research perceptions, noting that there is growing recognition of the expertise available in Africa. “The idea that research can be better done in high-income countries is giving way to an appreciation of the unique skill set that exists in Africa.”
The Intersection of Health and Environment
Raymond Hamoonga, a veterinarian and epidemiologist at the Zambia National Public Health Institute, explores the intersections between human, animal, plant, and environmental health—crucial oversight in an era where new microbial threats are emerging. He points out how the COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant disparities in health systems globally, yet also showcased the innovative approaches adopted by under-resourced African teams. “Our health systems aren’t as strong, but we learned beautiful lessons. I dare say, we were even innovative,” he remarks.
Hamoonga, reflecting on his journey back to Zambia after training abroad, expresses a commitment to leveraging the region’s potential for research. He believes in the importance of fostering local expertise rather than solely relying on external support.
Advocating for Sustainable Solutions
At the forefront of vaccine access is Helen Rees, an executive director at Wits RHI and chair of the WHO’s African immunization technical advisory group. Her advocacy for local manufacturing of critical vaccines is vital in reducing the continent’s vulnerability. According to Rees, the recent emphasis on vaccine manufacturing in Africa stems from the lessons learned during the pandemic: “After COVID, the initiative to have vaccine manufacturing was warmly embraced… This is going to continue to happen unless we can access our own [vaccines].”
The Role of Zoonotic Research
Jacqueline Weyer, who leads the emerging zoonotic and parasitic unit at South Africa’s National Institute of Communicable Diseases, is focused on diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever that spill over from animals to humans. She points out that the spread of SARS-CoV-2 has reignited global interest in virology and funding for research into pathogens with pandemic potential, emphasizing the importance of supporting African scientists and local research institutes. “People are realizing that we need to support African scientists…we can’t continue the way we’ve been going, where outside groups come in and do what they need to do and go home.”
Collaborative Research Initiatives
At the Africa Health Research Institute, scientists Khadija Khan and Alex Sigal are conducting studies to understand the burden of under-studied diseases. Their recent work illustrates the importance of responding to emerging infections, especially those with the potential to lead to pandemics. “What that highlighted was the importance of being able to respond to these emerging infections,” Khan states, emphasizing the collaborative efforts now taking shape across borders.
As Africa stands at the frontline of the global response to infectious diseases, the dedication and expertise of these scientists offer a beacon of hope in an increasingly uncertain world. They exemplify the crucial role local knowledge and capacity play in global health security, ensuring that when the next pandemic strikes, the resources and resolve to combat it are already in place.