When it comes to challenges like hunger, underdevelopment, poverty and disease, Africa still has a VERY long way to go.

Africa suffers a crippling burden of diseases and developmental challenges, many of which have been resolved in other parts of the world. As diseases continue to resurface, quality of life depreciates and the death toll goes higher. In human terms, this means that the lives and living conditions of more than a billion people on the fastest-growing continent on earth hang on a string. The future of Africa depends on the rate at which African countries are able to solve some of the toughest societal problems ever! Tackling such challenges requires robust and efficient research.

Some of Africa's problems are specific to the African continent, so relying on research efforts from developed countries - as is commonly done in many countries - may not offer much help. Africa can solve its own problems. But first, African countries must reorder their priorities and commit to the cause. Research structures in Africa are not sturdy enough to tackle its challenges. Africa needs research-friendly environments which are conducive for scientific research.

Africa also needs a sustainable network of well-trained researchers. In the absence of scientific research knowledge, diseases will continue to resurface, death rates will multiply and the continent will remain under-developed.