Africa’s ongoing dependence on imported health products underscores the urgent need for health sovereignty grounded in local innovation, research, and production. The African Voices of Science (AVoS) initiative, led by Speak Up Africa, seeks to amplify African scientific voices, strengthen research leadership, and influence health R&D policy and financing across the continent.
Held as part of the 2025 Galien Forum Africa, this session will serve as a platform for intergenerational dialoguebetween established researchers and emerging innovators, exploring pathways toward an autonomous, resilient African health ecosystem.
Speakers
- Moderator: Ms. Maelle Aida Ba, Communications and External Affairs Advisor
- Opening Address: Prof. Awa Marie Coll Seck, Chair, Galien Forum Africa
AVoS Champions:
- Prof. David Téa Okou, Molecular Geneticist, Founder of YTO Foundation
- Mr. John Paul Omollo, Public Health Specialist and Policy Strategist
- Dr. Lisa Micheni, Lecturer / Medical Microbiologist
- Dr. Safiatou Coulibaly, Coordinator, Genetics and Cancer Laboratory, Institut Pasteur
Young Innovators:
- Ms. Awa Badara Ndiaye, Founder of Njureel
- Ms. Yacine Sarr, Manager, WER E-Health Platform
- Mr. Henri Ousmane Gueye, Co-founder and CEO, Eyone
- Ms. Wanjiru Kigathi, Health Economist, Ministry of Health, Kenya