MY Global view Biomedical Research in Africa

as a priority

Magdi Yacoub, FRSProfesscor of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Heart Science Centre HarefieldImperial College London

Biomedical Research in Africa as a priority

• Size of the problem• Multidisciplinary approach • Individualised Solutions• Stakeholders• Strategy • Benefits• Challenges• Solutions

Size of the problem

- Massive “divide” in life expectancy - from 25 to 78 years..

- CNCDs accont for 60% of deaths worldwide.

- CVD accounted for 16.7 million deaths in 2002-

80% in low and middle income countries-

Loss of 148 million quality adjusted life years (QUALYs)

- Huge negative economic impact.

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The massive divide in Life Expectancy

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Epidemiology of rheumatic heart disease

1) Aboriginal Australians (“top end” of Northern Territory.

a. Annual incidence of RF. Of 2-7/1000 children

b. Up to 7% of certain communities have established RHD

(Carapitis 1998)

2) Rural Mozambique (Inharrine). Preliminary data 1 in 5 school

children had RHD or EMF (A. Olga Mocumbi 2003)

3) RHD in 3963 school children in Kampur, India. 4.54/1000

(Lalchandran 2003)

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Epidemiology (size of the problem)

Hospital admissions due to RHD

SCB Medical College

N

1981-1990 46.9% 5,537

1991-2000 45% 6,670

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Research (MYI, Imperial)

Advantages of research in the Developing World

1) Develop local expertise

2) Provide opportunities for talented people

3) Realisation of the size of the problem by all concerned locally

4) Generate specific answers for local problems (neglected

diseases)

5) Science technology health and wealth

6) Enhance dignity

7) Participate and contribute to global knowledge

Chain of Hope UK

Multidisciplinary Research:A Tailored Approach

• Evidence based resource • Population and Case control studies• Primary and secondary prevention• Basic mechanisms (cellular and molecular)• Animal models• Bio-engineering

Potential sustainable solutions

1) Twinning programmes

2) International programmes

3) Targeting neglected diseases

4) The concept of a tripartite research centre

(epidemiology, high tech medicine and molecular)

5) NGO’s joining efforts with the Government bodies

6) Creation of global network and culture of science

7) Role of individuals and universities

Research (MYI, Imperial)

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Chain of Hope UK

Chain of Hope UK

Chain of Hope UK

Chain of Hope UK

Chain of Hope UK

Chain of Hope UK

Chain of Hope UK

1 State of the art facilities for advanced research into local ‘neglected’ diseases at epidemiological, cellular and molecular levels

2 Databases of heart muscle disease in Ethiopia and other African countries

3 Study genetic basis of disease in Ethiopia and Africa

4 Advanced translational research

5 Develop biotechnology

6 Education programmes and higher degrees

7 Collaborate ‘Science Academies’ in Africa and worldwide

8 Advanced conference facilities

Heart Research Centre Addis Ababa

Objectives

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Heart Research Centre

Ground Floor Plan First Floor Plan

A

B

VIEW BVIEW A

Total Gross External Area: 3500 SQM

Level 3 Seminar facilities

Level 2 Research facilities

Level1 Research facilities

Level 0 Conference facilities

Level -1 Storage facilities

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Science with AfricaThe Cardiac Centre

Heart Research Institute

New Cardiac Centrel

Existing Dormatory

Football Field

Bridge to CC

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Conclusions

1 Cardiovascular Science is essential

2 Health brings wealth

3 Many other knock on effects

4 Network of excellence, North-South & South-South collaboration

5 Engage all stakeholders (sustainability)

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