FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT
Summit reiterates empowering women in scientific research
Empowering women and youth in the fields of scientific research is critical in the long-term public health management, in order to establish solutions to different health problems on the African continent, most of which mainly affect women and youth.
Greater investments are therefore needed in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in education, and improved policies and financial investments in scientific research on the African continent should be prioritised.
This was the all-encompassing message at the Merck Foundation Africa Research summit held online, in collaboration with the African Union.
The summit, which brought together distinguished leaders and activists in scientific research, education and health, re-affirmed Merck Foundation’ commitment towards developing a strong Africa roadmap towards gender equality, by discussing policies, leadership and scientific roles that can enable women to recover and thrive in a post Covid-19 world.
Malawi Minister of Health and Population, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said that women stand at the frontlines of the Covid-19 crisis as health workers, caregivers, innovators, community organisers, and some as the most exemplary and effective national leaders in combating the pandemic.
“This ministerial panel has highlighted both the centrality of women’s contributions and the role that governments and policies have in advancing gender equality, which will be con
ducive in our collaboration as African countries, to empower women and support girls in education,” she said.
Executive Director, African Union – Scientific, Technical and Research Commission, Ahmed Hamdy said the Merck Foundation Africa Research summit was a valuable opportunity for all those engaged and interested in health research in Africa to learn about the full spectrum of ground-breaking scientific research currently underway on the continent in respect to Covid19.
“This helps us prepare the road ahead in Africa’s strategy to tackle the pandemic with a concrete approach”, he said.
Merck Foundation CEO, Rasha Kelej, who is also chairperson of the Merck Foundation and African Union Summit, said it was applaudable that African countries had come together to share the Merck Foundation’s commitment to underscore its long-term commitments towards building healthcare and research capacity in Africa, with a special focus on women and youth.
“This year, the summit mainly addressed the importance of empowering women and youth in education and STEM; challenges and strategies, the response to Covid-19 and the role of scientific research in responding to vaccine development in Africa”, she said.