Molecular research like that conducted at the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases in Nigeria is key to medical breakthroughs.
PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP via Getty Images
Molecular research is expensive, but worth it because of the burden of disease that it could relieve.
A researcher prepares reagents for testing the samples for the COVID-19 coronavirus at the laboratory of Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
BRIAN ONGORO/AFP via Getty Images
Countries must be encouraged to distribute essential healthcare provision - like diagnosis - to where people most need them and where they can be accessed more easily.
Many university teaching labs are empty as students have been moved off campus during the pandemic. There are other ways to put theory into practice, at home and online.
Water urns become bioreactors with this clever design.
Jeffrey Barbee, Alliance
In many parts of the continent medical laboratories lack resources and expertise and can’t keep up with diagnostic demands, so proper diagnosis and treatment of health conditions is delayed.