Rewriting the health-care script in Africa

I grew up in Muwele, a small village in northern Zambia where the schools had no laboratories and we learned science solely on the blackboard. But thanks to some excellent teachers, I earned the opportunity to study and work abroad at well-endowed institutions like the University of Cambridge and the Scripps Research Institute.

My appointment as a lecturer at the University of Cape Town in 1996 was a return home in more than one way. Unlike at the bustling research hubs of Cambridge and Scripps, resources at the university were scarce, and infrastructure to conduct drug discovery was limited. These challenges, while daunting, ignited a fire within me to make a difference. I found a continent brimming with untapped potential, a rich tapestry of biodiversity, and a burning desire in its research groups to tackle the health challenges plaguing our communities.

Inspired, I embarked on a journey to build a drug discovery ecosystem in Africa. The creation of the Holistic Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D) at the University of Cape Town in 2010 was a pivotal moment. Our early days established the relentless pursuit of excellence that continues to drive our work. Supported by various research and funding partners, H3D has emerged as a state-of-the-art facility (Nat. Med. 2022, DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-01885-1).

Today, our team of 75 researchers investigates novel chemical compounds that could become lifesaving medicines, with a focus on malaria, tuberculosis, and antibiotic-resistant microbial diseases. We’re also developing preclinical tools to better understand the variability of drug response in the genetically diverse African populations, addressing a critical gap in global drug development. We’ve invested in training young African scientists, nurturing their talents, and empowering them to become leaders in their fields.

These efforts have borne fruit. Considering that we had to build drug discovery infrastructure from scratch, one of our proudest achievements has been the development of MMV390048, the first ever small-molecule clinical candidate, for any disease, discovered by an Africa-led international team. This first-in-class antimalarial drug candidate reached Phase 2 human clinical trials, a milestone that represents not only a major scientific breakthrough but also what is possible when African scientists have the necessary resources and support.

But our work is far more than individual projects. We are constructing a self-sustaining ecosystem, investing in both cutting-edge infrastructure and the next generation of African scientists. Through comprehensive training and mentorship programs, we empower scientists with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in their fields. Our commitment extends beyond the laboratory; we are actively shaping a culture of innovation that generates high-skill jobs, combats the brain drain, and nurtures a thriving scientific community on the African continent.

Despite our progress, African scientists continue to be relegated to the sidelines of global drug discovery. Our achievements are overlooked, and our potential is underestimated. This must change.

It’s time for the world to recognize the transformative power of African-led science. We’re not just tackling diseases; we’re also leading the charge in pharmacogenomics by recognizing and tapping into the genetic diversity of the African population. Through initiatives like Project Africa GRADIENT (Genomic Research Approach for Diversity and Optimizing Therapeutics), we’re partnering with global pharmaceutical companies like GSK and Novartis to harness the power of artificial intelligence and develop tailored treatments for diverse African populations.

This is a new era for African science. We’re notcatching up; we’re leading the way in precision medicine. The recent multimillion-dollar investment by LifeArc and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in the Grand Challenges African Drug Discovery Accelerator program is a testament to the pharmaceutical world’s growing confidence in African science. This investment is a financial boost as well as an endorsement of African scientists’ ability to tackle global health challenges. It signifies a new era of pan-African collaboration, in which researchers from different countries and institutions join forces to accelerate drug discovery and development.

But we need more than just financial investment. We need the global scientific community to embrace African expertise, collaborate with African researchers, and champion our cause for equitable representation in global health initiatives.

To my fellow African scientists, I would like to say: We are trailblazers. We are the architects of our own scientific destiny. Let us continue to push boundaries, challenge norms, and strive for excellence. Let us embrace our unique perspectives and leverage our diverse strengths to solve the most pressing health challenges of our time.

To the global scientific community, I would like to say: Do not overlook our achievements. Together, let us forge collaborations that transcend continents, invest in research that addresses the needs of diverse populations, and amplify the voices of scientists from all corners of the globe. In doing so, we can foster a truly inclusive scientific community that harnesses the power of diversity to drive innovation and improve lives worldwide.

The time for African drug discovery is now. We have the talent, the ambition, and the determination to make a lasting impact on global health. Let us seize this moment and create a brighter future for Africa and the world.

Kelly Chibale is a professor of organic chemistry and Neville Isdell Chair in African-centric Drug Discovery and Development at the University of Cape Town. He is also founder and director of the University of Cape Town Holistic Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D).

Do you have a story you want to share with the chemistry community? Send a submission of about 800 words to cenopinion@acs.org.