Francine Ntoumi

Francine Ntoumi Ph.D., HDR, PvDz, FRCPedin (born 1961) is a Congolese parasitologist specializing in malaria. She was the first African person in charge of the secretariat of the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (2006-2010). Quotes The dynamism of research is assessed by indicators such as publications and patents. With regard to biomedical research, which is my field, the African continent bears the heaviest burden of disease in the world, but it is also the continent that invests the least in research, development and innovation. What is the state of research in general and biomedical research in particular in Africa? The critical mass of qualified personnel capable of validly serving the needs of research does not exist. Which means that research teams are generally shaky. Beyond undersized investments, what are the critical points holding back research? Since the great demonstration for women's right to vote on June 21, 1908 in London, the place of women in society has improved and, of course, this change is visible in universities where more and more young girls are enrolled. What about the representation of women? They are ghostly… The Congolese Foundation for Medical Research (FCRM) is a unique example in the country, and probably in Central Africa: operating with public and private subsidies, it conducts research activities directly linked to the health of the Congolese population and the training of young Congolese. After 50 years of independence, where are the Congolese women in universities, in public or private research centers? Raised in a family of six children, being the only girl and the eldest facing a demanding father, I learned competition and above all to never feel diminished because I was a woman. Man, woman… does the distinction still have any meaning? I started studying in France, where I passed my medical exam and my state doctorate. When I returned to Africa,I wanted to specialize in a field of research that is important to my compatriots. Malaria kills thousands of people in Africa every year. I want not only to fight this disease. how did malaria research become a scientific priority for you? In Congo, we are probably at the stage where Germany was about 25 years ago. The difficulties start with the Internet, which does not work well. Congolese students therefore have difficulty following the latest research. What are the major differences between the Republic of Congo and Germany in terms of research? The level is very high and I do there what I cannot achieve in Congo. Both parties benefit from this close cooperation because the Institute obviously does not have direct access to tropical diseases and the required samples. What exactly is your job at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Tübingen? I created the country's first molecular biology laboratory at the University of Brazzaville, the capital of Congo. If this project worked, it was only thanks to the support of my colleagues in Tübingen. What does this cooperation consist of, in concrete terms? In the Republic of Congo, there is no research culture yet. In Germany, it is a given that students also give their opinions and that discussions result. In Congo, the importance of exchanging ideas has not yet been grasped. However, in research, what counts are new ideas, and discussions are necessary. What can partners learn from each other? External links Interview with Francine Ntoumi Category:Physicians from the Republic of the Congo Category:Women academics from the Republic of the Congo Category:1961 births Category:Living people Category:Medical scientists Category:Women born in the 1960s