New academy launched to promote African health sovereignty

The Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health announced the launch last week of the African Academy of Health Sciences (AAHS) in Morocco, part of a bid to promote research and education in health sciences which meet the African continent’s needs.

The AAHS launch ceremony took place on 23 November at the Mohammed VI University of Science and Health in Dakhla, according to the Maghreb Arabe Press (MAP).

The AAHS intends to become a hub for health development in Africa by promoting South-South cooperation to ensure African health sovereignty, creating a platform for exchange and partnership to advance scientific research in health, promoting scientific innovation, excellence in health science education, and organising training programmes and symposia to contribute to the sustainable improvement of African health systems.

The AAHS’ key areas of focus include human health (public health, emergency care, cardiology), animal health (veterinary care and food security), and environmental health (climate change, desertification, water scarcity and water stress).

The AAHS maintains strategic partnerships with institutions such as the World Health Organization and stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry to encourage health cooperation.

Improved health outcomes

UNESCO science prize laureate Professor Atta-ur-Rahman, former coordinator general of the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the 57-country Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, told University World News the AAHS has the potential to “revolutionise health outcomes across the African continent”.

He said the significant health challenges faced by Africa are compounded by inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited access to quality health education, and fragmented disease control efforts.

“The AAHS, as a leading scientific institution, is uniquely positioned to spearhead transformative initiatives in health education, research and disease control,” Atta-ur-Rahman said. “By implementing a holistic and coordinated approach, the AAHS can address these challenges and pave the way for improved health outcomes across the African continent.”

He said the establishment of regional research hubs as part of the AAHS would foster centres of excellence that focus on diseases prevalent in specific areas, such as malaria, HIV/Aids and tuberculosis.

“Collaborative research initiatives between African scientists and international institutions would promote innovation and knowledge exchange, addressing, not only communicable diseases, but also neglected tropical diseases like schistosomiasis and lymphatic filariasis [often known as bilharzia and elephantiasis, respectively],” Atta-ur-Rahman said.

The AAHS could play a pivotal role in strengthening epidemiological data collection systems, he said, enabling evidence-based policy decisions and targeted interventions.

“Capacity-building, particularly through the training of young scientists, will ensure a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals equipped to tackle Africa’s health challenges,” Atta-ur-Rahman added.

He said the AAHS would need to engage with governments and international organisations to prioritise health funding, ensuring adequate resources for its work.

“Public-private partnerships can also play a transformative role by mobilising resources, improving access to medical technologies and fostering innovation. These efforts must specifically address health inequities, targeting marginalised populations such as rural communities, women, and children to ensure that no one is left behind.”

“In conclusion, the AAHS has the potential to revolutionise health outcomes across the African continent. By adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates health education, cutting-edge research, and sustainable disease control measures, the AAHS can create a healthier, more equitable future for Africa,” Atta-ur-Rahman said.

“These efforts will not only improve the quality of life for millions but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the African region.

“Empowered by knowledge, collaboration and innovation, Africa can rise to meet its health challenges and unlock its immense potential,” Atta-ur-Rahman added.

Human capital investment

Dr Abdennasser Naji, a former adviser to the minister of higher education and the president of the Amaquen Institute, an education think tank in Morocco, told University World News the AAHS reflected Morocco’s commitment to investment in human capital.

“This academy will strengthen the African renaissance in one of the weakest fields where the continent is left behind, namely health and research,” Naji said. “The sovereignty in this area is among the main determinants of the sustainable development Africa needs.”

Naji said the academy would position Morocco to lead Africa in sustainable development.

He said challenges to the academy would include attracting qualified researchers and the provision of sufficient financial resources.

However, Naji noted that Morocco has had “success in establishing international partnerships with organisations and networks of researchers in health” which could help it to overcome these challenges.

Morocco’s soft power

In response to whether the academy could be seen as an expression of Morocco’s science diplomacy or ‘soft power’ efforts, Naji said: “Today, knowledge is the most powerful weapon on the international stage, mainly with the unprecedented revolution in digital technology, including AI and Big Data.

“If Morocco succeeds in its Africa’s knowledge-based strategy, it can be a powerful nation in Africa and can aspire to be a strong regional actor.”

The Global Soft Power Index (GSPI) which evaluates soft power strength based on higher education and science capabilities, among other indicators, ranked Morocco 50th out of 193 countries worldwide in 2024.

Morocco was ranked third among the top 10 most influential African countries after Egypt (39) and South Africa (43), and followed by Algeria (73), Nigeria (79), Ghana (85), Tanzania (93), Senegal (94), Kenya (95), and Mauritius (97).