Dr. Mosoka Fallah has been recently appointed as the Acting Director for the Science and Innovation Directorate at Africa CDC, marking a significant stride towards enhancing health security and innovation across the African continent. With a distinguished career in global health and a commitment to scientific excellence, his vision is to transform Africa's R&D and clinical trial landscape through three pivotal components: Financing, Coordination/governance, and Human Capacity Development.
Here is an excerpt of his vision:
Q: What is your strategic approach for this role?
My strategic approach is to enhance the clinical trials, which will bolster local manufacturing of medical products. Recognizing the need for self-reliance, I plan to lead robust clinical research initiatives that pave the way for indigenous medical product development. This initiative is about creating a sustainable continental research ecosystem where Africa can independently produce and supply its medical needs.
Q: How do you plan to foster collaborations and partnerships to address Africa's health challenges?
Central to my vision is forging solid collaborations with significant institutions and universities. Partnering with globally renowned research institutions and pharmaceutical industries, I envision a unified effort to address Africa's unique health challenges. One of the landmark collaborations is with the US National Institute of Health (NIH). Together, we will develop research protocols involving several African countries, assigning leading scientists to spearhead clinical trials on diseases that disproportionately affect the continent. This partnership aims to accelerate the scale-up of solutions and innovations tailored to African contexts.
I also intend to foster a robust network for ongoing clinical research on the continent and the global by building alliances with top-tier global universities, such as Harvard University and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). This network will synchronize efforts to fit within the broader agenda of supporting clinical trials that empower local manufacturing, ensuring that research and production capabilities grow hand in hand.
Q: What strategies do you propose for innovation in diagnostics and clinical trials in Africa?
My forward-thinking strategy includes collaboration with established research and academic institutions like UNC Chapel Hill and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to enhance the clinical trial landscape. By teaming up with colleagues from Stanford University, we aim to develop low-cost diagnostics that are efficient and feasible even in limited-resource settings. This holistic examination of the diagnostic space is crucial for addressing current and emerging health threats.
Q: What is your plan to address the impact of climate change on health in Africa?
Acknowledging the growing impact of climate change on health, I am committed to establishing a centre of excellence that focuses on diseases exacerbated by climate change. This initiative integrates climate considerations into health strategies, ensuring that Africa remains resilient despite environmental changes.
Q: What is your vision for coordinating scientific endeavours across Africa, and how do you plan to reverse the brain drain?
A cornerstone of my plan is the coordination of scientific endeavours across Africa. With a vision to establish a significant continental scientific Advisory Group of African scientists to support Africa CDC in the governance of the research ecosystem., This will streamline efforts toward local manufacturing and innovation. This coordinated approach will enhance efficiency and foster a culture of scientific excellence on the continent.
One of the most ambitious aspects of my vision is reversing the brain drain. This will be achieved by prioritizing local training, building robust capacity within Africa, and encouraging diaspora scientists to contribute their expertise back home. This strategy aims to transform Africa from a talent exporter to a talent hub.
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A New Chapter in Global Health Leadership
Adding to his remarkable portfolio, Dr Fallah has been appointed a visiting Lecturer in the Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine. This prestigious role underscores his expertise and commitment to bridging global health paradigms with local realities. As Dr. Fallah embarks on this transformative journey, his strategic vision promises to redefine Africa's health landscape. Through financing, coordination/governance, and human capacity development, he aims to build a resilient, self-sufficient, innovative health ecosystem to tackle the continent's most pressing health challenges. Under his leadership, Africa CDC is poised to become a beacon of scientific excellence and innovation, setting new benchmarks in global health.
