Local experts — not rich donors — must design and control studies

For more than 20 years, Francisca Mutapi led a programme in Zimbabwe on human schistosomiasis. The experience gave her first-hand knowledge of how inequitable partnerships that task African scientists as data gatherers for Western research agendas are unlikely to make a difference to the African health problems that really matter.

Africa should set its own health-research agenda. Local experts — not rich donors — must design and control studies, argues Mutapi.