The Aga Khan University Institute for Human Development (IHD) has unveiled the African Leadership for Measuring Brain Health in Children and Adolescents (ALMA) consortium. This groundbreaking initiative is set to propel research in early-life brain development, specifically tailored to the African context, with the overarching goal of identifying the unique needs of African children and ensuring their optimal development.

ALMA aims to tackle three critical challenges hindering progress in the field. Firstly, it addresses the lack of locally generated evidence for tailored interventions in the African context. Secondly, it aims to combat the shortage of trained experts in neuroscience, with a particular focus on nurturing female scientists. Lastly, ALMA strives to establish centres of excellence in neurosciences dedicated to child and adolescent development across the African continent.

Professor Amina Abubakar, IHD Director and ALMA co-director, highlighted the visionary goal of ALMA, stating, "We aim to cultivate the next generation of African research leaders with a profound understanding of the science of the young brain. We need highly trained research scientists, quality research evidence to guide policy and practice, and centres of excellence in neuroscience to provide the ideal research environment for talented African scientists."

The ALMA initiative adopts a strategic framework based on four key principles. It seeks to advance neuroscience in Africa by integrating the latest knowledge and approaches, training African research scientists with a specific emphasis on mentoring female neuroscientists, leveraging existing infrastructure to establish neuroscience centres of excellence, and fostering a research culture through findings dissemination and engagement with policymakers.

Mr. Joel Kamoko, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education in Zambia, hailed the ALMA initiative as a promising journey for the future of African children. The project aligns with policy priorities in various African countries, reflecting a concerted effort to promote women's participation in science.

ALMA is a collaborative effort involving the Aga Khan University Institute for Human Development, the University of Cape Town, the University of Zambia, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, the Centre of Genomic Medicine – Massachusetts General Hospital, and the University of Oxford.

The project is funded by the Science for Africa Foundation through the DELTAS Africa initiative, with support from Wellcome and the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development. DELTAS Africa is a long-term, multimillion-dollar program launched in 2015 to support collaborative consortia led by Africa-based scientists, amplifying Africa-led development of world-class research and scientific leaders while strengthening African institutions.

 

Article by Jed Mwangi

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