Heed calls for stronger collaboration to bridge gap between research and implementation

Scientist, microscope and analysis in lab for healthcare, innovation and development in stem cell research. [iStockphoto]

African countries must heed recent calls for stronger collaboration between scientists, policymakers and communities to bridge the gap between research and implementation. According to the African Population and Health Research Center, about 80 to 83 per cent of research resources are wasted because they are not being translated into action.

Even as universities and institutions generate ground-breaking research, a significant portion remains underutilised. Research and innovation are indispensable for achieving universal health coverage and national development priorities. That is why more should be done to produce, translate and apply research. Even more important is the need to measure research impact on people's health and well-being.