The ambassador for the development of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in Africa.
NAIROBI, Kenya - How many of us stumble across the phrase Research Capacity Strengthening? Many people outside
of science have no clue what it is or its meaning. The truth of the matter is this level of assessment helps reduce the burden of infectious diseases of poverty in low- and middle-income countries.
RESEARCH EVIDENCE
COVID-19 response is due to long-term investments in research, which contributes to building health system resilience and responding effectively to the virus. Recently, statistics have shown a substantial number of scientists who have been trained have been able to pivot their skills to respond effectively to COVID-19.
Dr. Evelyn Gitau combines a record of more than 19 years of medical research with a commitment to cultivating a new generation of researchers throughout Africa committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and universal health coverage.
Born in Kenya, Dr. Evelyn completed her higher education in the USA B.Sc Chemistry and Biology (1997) MSc Biomedical Sciences (2001). Joined the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Programme as a Research Assistant in Pharmacology in 2002. In 2008 she earned her Ph.D. in Life Sciences from the Open University/Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in the UK, investigating neurological infections in children living in malaria-endemic areas.
"I am passionate about the fact we need to enhance the STEM-related sciences for health research in Africa."
2002, Dr. Gitau's son was diagnosed with Malaria, Pneumonia, and a Bacteria Chest Infection. Having to learn this from the lab results after 24 hours. To support her theory, having access to industry-standard laboratory facilities below the Sub-Sahara describes the facilities in London where she was fortunate to take her son. Our labs in Nairobi could have the capacity to diagnose many infections and prevent hundreds and thousands of deaths.
Today, Dr. Evelyn Gitau is the Director of Research Capacity Strengthening/Interim Director Research at African Population and Health Research Center.
Among her awards and accomplishments include a 2015 appointment as a fellow of the Next Einstein Forum, where she is the ambassador for the development of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in Africa.
Dr. Gitau’s vast networks have brought her positions on numerous advisory boards for organizations advancing the agenda of research and evidence generation in Africa. These include the Independent Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB), Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi, University of Oxford (MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine), and the Investment Committee Grand Challenges Canada. She will remain a member of the Steering Committee for Grand Challenges Africa.
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