Africa’s greatest health challenges won’t be solved without female scientists

The medical field has treated women as 'smaller men' for too long. It’s time for a fundamental shift in research

3 Apr 2025

By Damaris Matoke-Muhia and Monique Wasunna

Damaris Matoke-Muhia and Monique Wasunna are two African women scientists who have spent decades working in infectious disease and tropical medicine research. Despite proving that African women can lead inclusive, groundbreaking research and shape global health solutions, the authors find that women – particularly African women – are still far too underrepresented in health science leadership. In this viewpoint, they discuss how having more women in science can accelerate progress towards global health goals, how current programmes are making an impact, and what more is needed.

Read the viewpoint published in TRT Global

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