Scientists call for more autonomy of diverse African microbiome research, study flags

27 May 2024 --- Researchers from various African universities and the African Microbiome Institute call for better collaborative research into the unique microbiomes of African populations and environments. They claim there is a critical need for fair research efforts to explore these microbiomes, which have been underrepresented in global studies thus far.

“Investment in local research infrastructure and capacity building will not only advance microbiome science but also contribute to health equity and precision medicine on a global scale,” says Dr. Ovokeraye H Oduaran, lead author and microbiome expert at the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

The scientists state that the lack of comprehensive studies in low- and middle-income countries has resulted in a substantial knowledge deficit, particularly in Africa. In addition, they posit that there is strong evidence that Africans harbor highly diverse and distinct microbial communities.

Gap in the science 
A point of contention is that while few studies have been done on African microbiomes, these are typically conducted without the participation of African scientists, raising concerns about scientific inequality. The scientists called for equitable research in their study published in Nature Medicine. 

“We previously highlighted the need for increasing studies on African microbiomes. As Africans, we must be at the forefront of these studies because they directly impact our own communities and ecosystems. We need equitable partnerships for achieving meaningful and sustainable research outcomes,” says professor Thulani Makhalanyane, co-author of the study and microbiome scientist in the department of microbiology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

The research paper provides a detailed implementation framework to facilitate more equitable scientific practices in the field of research. The guidelines emphasize ethical considerations, community involvement, capacity building, multidisciplinary collaboration, knowledge translation and standardized workflows.

Furthermore, local research leadership should empower scientists to create culturally and contextually relevant research. The researchers highlight a need for fair engagement practices with clear guidelines on data and sample ownership, the implementation of standardized procedures for sample collection, storage and analysis and strengthening the active participation of national governments in research initiatives.African researchers are calling for equitable research in the microbiome field. 

Earlier this year, researchers assessing climate-smart agriculture and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa called for farmers in the region to diversify their agricultural production toward climate-smart and micronutrient-rich crops such as soybeans, cassava, millet and sorghum in a bid to improve health outcomes.

Course correcting microbiome misstep 
The research points out that the overall understanding of the microbiome has significantly expanded in the last two decades, and the emerging studies now provide important insights into its role in human health and disease.

The African researchers made an important point that while studies suggest the microbiome is highly diverse in composition and scale, generalizing findings across different populations remains challenging due to these compositional differences. 

The paper calls for African scientists to be empowered to lead research initiatives in the field and stresses its importance in shaping future research. National governments are encouraged to support microbiome research through policy development, funding and a conducive regulatory environment. Standardized procedures for microbiome research will enhance the reproducibility and consistency of findings.

The research team represents institutions such as the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa; Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria; Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Malawi; Makerere University, Uganda; Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia; African Microbiome Institute, South Africa; Kwame Nkrumah University, Ghana; University of Cape Town, South Africa and the University of Manouba, Tunisia.

Meanwhile, African leaders merged to call for more commitment and accountability in Africa’s efforts to achieve continental and global goals for nutrition ahead of the 2025 World Health Assembly Nutrition target deadline. The African Bank Development Group organized the event.

By Inga de Jong