Translational Medicine Research in Sub Saharan Africa – Challenges and Prospects

Translational medicine (TM) is a branch of medicine and research in which basic science research findings are implemented to solve clinical problems and it involves the generation of research questions from clinical problems - the so-called “bench to bedside and back to bench approach” [1]. Despite the vital importance of TM as would be seen in the course of this paper and the steps that other regions of the world have taken, and plan to take to bolster their already working TM sector, sub-Saharan Africa is yet to fully take the first few steps on the road to TM research [2], [3].

This situation of depending on the research findings from technologically advanced countries presents a lot of challenges as environment and genetics play a very important role in what kind of results are obtained [2]. This causes discrepancies in outcome/ inability to replicate study findings using the study methods and design applied by research that a clinical decision or recommendation was made.

Due to the workload on the health professionals, poor health care system, low interest in research, inadequate training and funding, and other factors that would be highlighted in this paper, the clinician is seldom able to lift his/her eyes from the present emergency to consider what may prove useful in the future. This state of affairs is also compounded by the fact that the fruition of TM research may take many years [4]. Some solutions include more efficient record keeping, more government support, improved research training among others. This paper aims to highlight the challenges of TM in sub Saharan Africa and further offer some practical and culturally adaptable solutions to these challenges.