Volume 19 Number 4 January 2016 ISSN 1015-4957

Photo Credit: Water and Sanitation Program in Africa, Global Water Practice, World Bank Innovations to tackle Africa’s water and sanitation crisis in the post-2015 era

By: Magdaline Ncabira Nkando - Senior Knowledge Management Specialist for the Water and Sanitation Program in Africa, under the Global Water Practice at the World Bank he close of 2015 marked the imperative that the global community Notably, much less private capital has end of the Millennium continues to advance promising solutions been committed into water and sanitation Development Goals (MDGs)— and ensure they reach the communities than other infrastructure sectors, such as T a global drive from the year that can use them to transform their own energy and ICT. In this regard, the World 2000 to reduce poverty and improve the livelihoods. New approaches are needed Bank Water Global Practice, through lives of people in developing countries— to identify priority innovations and ensure Water and Sanitation Program (WSP), has and the introduction of Sustainable Devel- the financial and technical support is there been working with key public and private opment Goals (SDGs) to anchor the glob- to bring these ideas to low- and middle- sector partners in Africa to mobilize al development agenda for the next 15 income countries. domestic credit and address operating years. inefficiencies that negatively impact on the In the context of the SDGs, the Water delivery of water and sanitation. The MDGs played a pivotal role in Global Practice at the World Bank is galvanizing the global community and leveraging on its international experience Making utilities more attractive to banks is intensifying investment to reduce by half and learnings to build a knowledge base of possible and has been done successfully in the proportion of the population without proven, scalable and sustainable solutions the Philippines and elsewhere. Some safe drinking water. Today, over 90 per for improving the state of water, sanita- approaches involve external means of cent of the global population has access to tion and hygiene in Africa. A key aim is to reducing lending risk (such as through improved sources of drinking water. But share knowledge, foster dialogue, and guarantees, pooled funds, or credit the world fell short on the sanitation identify common challenges and strategies enhancements); others involve robust target, leaving 2.4 billion without access to to leverage learning across the sector. ratings of the creditworthiness of improved sanitation facilities, especially in individual prospective borrowers. Africa and Asia. Already, there is a solid body of knowledge on innovative and evidence- In Africa, WSP partnered with the Water based approaches for improved water and Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) in sanitation in three broad areas: addressing Kenya to conduct a credit assessment of the financing challenge; reaching the poor 43 utilities. This resulted in 13 utilities and underserved; and, harnessing the being assigned an A or BBB rating potential of Information and (creditworthy), 16 assigned a BB rating Communication Technologies (ICTs). (potentially creditworthy) and 14 utilities assigned ‘no rating’. In 2014, one utility, Innovative approaches for financing Although immense progress was made the Embu Water and Sanitation Company, water and sanitation infrastructure towards the MDGs, Sub-Saharan Africa received the first-ever commercial loan of remains the only world region that fell Among the single biggest constraints in Ksh87 million shilling (US$1 million) from short of meeting the global targets for achieving the SDGs is that of mobilizing the Housing Finance Company of Kenya both water and sanitation. Nearly half of investments for water and sanitation (HFCK) to construct a water pipeline to the estimated 663 million people programs, particularly for constructing, expand connectivity to 6,000 households. worldwide without access to improved operating, maintaining, and rehabilitating This example demonstrates how public drinking water sources live in the water and sewer infrastructure. utilities can increase the overall funding continent. And the countries with the available to the water sector by lowest sanitation coverage are also Across Africa, water and wastewater strategically using their limited public funds concentrated in Africa. utilities frequently fail to recover enough to attract additional financing from revenue to cover even their basic commercial lenders. Towards a knowledge base of operating and maintenance expenses, let innovations alone depreciation of fixed assets and Even small-scale providers can be trans- generation of a return on assets sufficient formed into sound investments under the The SDGs on water supply and sanitation for any debt servicing or remuneration of right conditions and with the right sup- give new urgency to the challenge of invested equity. The major financing port, as demonstrated by another project water and sanitation development in sources—public resources and in Kenya that applied a blend of commer- Africa. To accelerate the gains achieved development assistance—are often cial loans from a micro-finance bank, equi- during the MDG era and to reach the insufficient to pay for major infrastructure ty from project owners, and subsidies . . . even more ambitious SDGs, it is investments. Continue on page 4 2 Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES From the ED’s Desk A legacy of driving scientific development 2015 was a momentous year for AAS. training of scientists through programmes Among the highlights was the launch of like AESA, CIRLCE and the Cell Biology AESA, an agenda setting and funding plat- Regenerative Medicine initiative where we form set up by the AAS, the NEPAD Agen- are helping early career and senior scien- cy and three global partners (UK Depart- tists to develop their ideas and provide ment for International Develop- research that can be used for policymaking. ment (DFID), Bill & Melinda Gates Founda- By empowering scientists, AAS is building a tion and the Wellcome Trust). AESA was critical mass to produce research and inno- also endorsed by the African Union Summit vation to overcome some of the conti- of January 2015. Three major STI pro- nent’s developmental challenges and ensure grammes are operating under AESA that Africa contributes its own solu- with dedicated programme managers al- tions to its own problems. Indeed, AAS is ready in place. Dr Tom Kariuki, a leading building this critical mass in climate change, biomedical scientist, an AAS Fellow and a health and areas critical to Africa. former member of the Governing Council Berhanu Abegaz, Executive Director, AAS of AAS is leading AESA. I wish to pay a It is also interesting to note the mentorship horizon beyond, the horizon beyond which huge tribute to Tom and to the senior role of the TWAS President during the Africa should develop into a healthier, happier Advisor Kevin Marsh who have worked formative years of AAS. Salaam (Nobel and more dignified continent. tirelessly to lead the implementation of laureate in Physics and founder of ICTP) AESA and to realize what has been had this to say at the inaugural meeting of I feel a sense of pride and gratification with achieved so far. We are also very fortu- AAS: the present state of the Academy. The last nate to have the unparalleled support of few years have seen a huge increase not ……the African Academy of Sciences is very only in number of Fellowships but also the President of Mauritius, HE Ameenah dear to us. It was initiated at the Third World Gurib Fakim who presided over the col- their achievements. There is also a similar Academy meeting in July 1985, and its foun- increase in number and quality of staff at ourful launch of AESA which received dation meeting was held at our Headquar- global coverage thanks to the efforts of our the Secretariat. We wanted our Strategic ters in December 1985. As a humble token, Plan 2013-2018 to be one that would posi- Communications Manager and back-up sup- we have placed and will continue to place port from BMGF and Wellcome Trust. tion AAS for better impact in Africa. In $50,000 in support of the African Academy looking at where we are, I can say we are The AAS is also marking its 30th year and annually. indeed poised to do just that. it is proper that we take a moment to re- No wonder then it was Mohamed Hassan flect upon the past three decades of exist- Our experience during the last two years, who took over as the President of AAS working with some of the key global fun- ence. I have found it inspiring to read the (1999-2011) after Odhiambo, concurrent foundation documents of AAS under the ders, has also taught us the need to ensure with his responsibility as the Executive Di- that we develop key policies that ensure leadership of Prof Thomas Odhiambo. As rector of TWAS. Hassan wrote a beauti- founding president he said the following good governance. The AAS Governing ful narrative of his reflections during the Council (GC) is particularly aware of this statement in the closing exhortation to the 25th Anniversary celebrations of AAS. He task force that was created to set up and and has raised the need to re- paid tribute to the former President of Ni- examine our constitution to ensure that launch the Academy on 10 December geria, Olusegun Obasanjo, who in 2005 1985: we follow good corporate govern- decided to help the Academy by con- ance practices. In the process of doing so, ….”It is vitally important for the African Scien- tributing ca $5million to the Acade- we are also advised that we align our con- tific Community to take initiative in this crucial my’s Endowment Fund. This growing stitution to a prototype issued by the Ken- matter so that we can begin to create the geo- Endowment now together with the assets ya Government Bureau for coordina- political climate in which science and technolo- (Estate, building, etc.) has grown to ca $8.3 tion of NGOs. We now have an Audit gy can flourish and where the scientific com- million. This action of Obasanjo is a reali- and Risk Committee which meets regularly munity can begin to play its destiny in this con- zation of the hopes and aspiration of Odhi- to review various reports of the Academy tinent which for a thousand years has seeming- ambo who had written in the first Annual and advises the GC on actions to be taken. ly lost its soul and direction” report of the Academy as follows: I want to thank each and every one of my The programmes implemented by AAS in Our main desire is that we become increasing- staff for working hard and for supporting the past and presently are geared towards ly self-reliant in what we do, getting more sup- me to fulfil my duties at AAS. I close by contributing to shaping the destiny of sci- port from our own people – our people are the wishing everyone a highly successful 2016. ence and the continent. AAS supports the mountains on which we will climb to see the THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 3

Continued from page 2 Karaweti Water Trust Project, Kenya by creating access to affordable, from the World Bank to finance Karaweti Water Trust is a small piped water provid- sustainable and quality financial community water projects in Kenya. er that sought to increase membership and revenue products and services to sections of As a result, more than 36,000 resi- collection by providing more reliable water service. the disadvantaged and low income dents gained access to improved The Trust developed a project that installed a new segments of society. water supply for household and borehole to supplement its existing supplies and cus- small-scale agriculture through an tomer-level meters. The project was financed with In Lusaka, Zambia, where the investment of US$1.3 million in 28 equity from the community, a loan of US$54,000 proliferation of pit latrines posed a projects. Even so, it is important to from K-Rep Bank, a grant of US$26,000 from the risk in contaminating the city’s point out that while innovative fi- World Bank’s Global Partnership on Output-based ground water supply, the challenge nancing can transform marginal pro- Aid (GPOBA) and technical support from WSP. The was addressed by introducing Trust was able to increase its number of connections jects into financially viable transac- by 38%, average monthly revenue by 90%, and 7 day/ condominial sewer systems — tions, no amount of innovation can week water service from 8% to 87%. which are basically a compromise make non-viable projects bankable between basic pit latrines and water- or overcome lender’s concerns about settlements. Since social connections borne sanitation. sector governance, utility performance, approaches champion the right of and revenue predictability. access to affordable water services on a Condominial sewer systems, also non-discriminatory basis, especially for known as simplified sewerage systems, Expand reach to the poor and disadvantaged or marginalized groups, are shallow sewers that serve clusters underserved the policy provided a breakthrough for of housing. The systems use smaller With the highest rates of urbanization service providers to venture into diameter pipes than conventional sewer across the globe, Africa’s towns and previously inaccessible unplanned systems and simple inspection chambers cities are increasingly faced with the settlements areas where most of the at shallow depths instead of manholes. challenge of meeting the high demand poor reside. The technology has been used for water, sanitation and other services. extensively and successfully in informal This challenge is most evident in the Second, a financing and micro-credit settlements in Brazil and Pakistan. For fast proliferating informal settlements scheme was introduced to make water Zambia, the innovation provided a and other underserved areas often and sanitation services affordable to low solution for how to deliver waterborne populated by low-income and -income households through access to sanitation in peri-urban areas in a cost- marginalized communities. subsidized micro-loans, and staggered effective and sustainable manner. payment of consumption bills. Low- Borrowing from experiences from income households can borrow small These innovations to deliver improved around the world, World Bank lending amounts of money to offset the initial water and sanitation services to fast- operations and WSP technical costs of getting a metered stand pipe growing towns and cities in Africa can assistance have focused on water connection and, through a enhance the competitiveness of the implementing a range of innovations for flexible payment scheme, repay the urban centers and ensure that they improving delivery of water and loans together with the monthly water serve as engines of growth for the sanitation services in informal bill over an agreed period. This scheme economy. Equally important is the settlements and low-income areas in is specifically designed to suit the impact that improved services can have Kenya, Mali, Senegal and Zambia. The fluctuating incomes of self-employed on the urban poor residents, who can technical assistance has been and informal sector earners. benefit from accessing water close to implemented through partnerships with where they live and therefore save time utilities, including the Nairobi City Third, Maji Mashimani leveraged on and money for other activities, in Water and Sewerage Company advancements in mobile telephony to addition to health benefits. (Kenya), Lusaka Water Company introduce a digital platform—known as (Zambia) and ONAS (Senegal). Jisomee Mita—that enables water Harnessing the potential of ICTs consumers to use a mobile phone to The growth and adoption of ICTs is fast In Kenya, a pro-poor focused initiative send their own water meter readings, changing the landscape of developing dubbed Maji Mashinani—Swahili for query and receive current water bills, countries: as estimate 82% of Africans “making water accessible at the then pay the bills using mobile money have access to mobile phones, and grassroots”—combines different policy, such as Safaricom’s MPESA. Enabling mobile technology contributes over six financial and digital innovations that can low-income consumers to manage their percent of the GDP of sub-Saharan be replicated and scaled up across water consumption and pay for services Africa, compared to 4% of Latin African towns and cities to improve offers a dividend to water utilities, America, and 1.4% of Asia/Pacific. Yet, delivery of water and sanitation services through an expanded revenue base and only 63% of the population in sub- in informal settlements and low-income reduced operational costs. Saharan Africa has access to improved areas. water supply, and 54% to basic Maji Mashinani demonstrates that poor sanitation. First, Maji Mashinani enabled adoption communities not only aspire for, but of an innovative social connections can also pay for quality and affordable A recent regional analytical study by policy that enabled utilities in five services. The success of Jisomee Mita WSP on the potential of ICTs to Kenyan towns to legitimize extension of also demonstrates that improved water improve water and sanitation services water services to low-income and sanitation services can be enhanced . . . Continue on page 5

4 Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Continued from page 4 the mapping of over 10,000 water mWater - Senegal, Mali, Niger points in less than six months in 2011 . . . shows that a lot can be learnt from and Benin and supported the preparation of a na- how other sectors are using ICT appli- mWater is a mobile-to-web based application tional WASH sector investment plan for consumers and water service providers cations to advance the development from 2012 to 2017. In Liberia, a tradi- (WSPs) developed as a response to monitor- agenda. For example, in agriculture, ing challenges for the growing number of small tional paper based survey would take at ICTs have been harnessed to reduce -scale water schemes in rural areas and small least one year with no guarantee on the transaction costs; increase access to towns. The application aims to provide water quality of data collected. information and markets; improve service providers with the ability to remotely productivity and supply chain manage- control water service delivery and also im- What has the WASH sector learnt so ment; and strengthen the negotiating prove the management of water usage, daily far in applying ICTs? First, keep users at power and revenue of farmers. Similar- operations as well as the maintenance of the the center, ensuring ICT applications ly, in health, ICTs are being employed network. As of June 2013, mWater was active are friendly to use, and that data is to improve health care through the in 252 water systems in Senegal, Mali, Niger, reliable and actionable. Second, ICT Benin. provision of timely information; combat applications must be appropriate and • 246,900 people served in Niger and 415,900 counterfeit drugs; expand reach of people served in Mali under the mWater plat- adaptable to local realities. Third, wide health care to underserved and rural form, which provides an ICT design structure stakeholder collaboration is critical for communities; and increase productivity in which mobile phone applications and web long-term success. and reducing health care costs. services are developed to support the life cy- cle of water supply systems, from construction Even so, while ICT can be a key enabler The WSP study also highlighted some (inventory and cartography) to operation (data for institutional transformation to priority WASH areas where ICTs can collection, technical and financial management) address the demand for improved make a difference. First, by increasing and performance benchmarking. water and sanitation service, especially access to water and sanitation; through • In Benin, the use of mWater resulted in new for hard-to-reach poor populations in drawings of assets and water networks for 51 collection, monitoring, presentation and rural and urban areas, it will never be rural water point schemes. analysis of WASH data; and mapping • In Senegal, mWater has supported the map- the silver bullet. In order to maximize and monitoring of WASH ping of 70 percent of existing water schemes its transformational role in the sector, infrastructure. Second, improving (over 28,000 water points). ICT should be recognized as a conduit service delivery; through monitoring of or tool that needs to be continuously service provision, in terms of use services, and whether services are managed well in order to help achieve a functionality, timely and adequate water deteriorating or broken-down. solution. Impact and success need to be supply, water quality and water use ICTs are particularly important in terms measured not merely in terms of imple- management; empowering underserved of smart water management, facilitating mentation or uptake of the new tech- communities through timely and operational efficiency improvements nology, but more importantly with re- improved access to information about such as increasing efficiency gains and gards to achieving the sector’s goals and water availability, price and quality; and, cost savings for urban utilities, especially priorities. improving utility operations and in monitoring of service provision, and enhancing efficiencies in transactions, billing and collection. Some examples of Conclusion financial management, revenue successful applications are The SDGs provide an opportunity to collection and customer engagement. SDE’ (Senegalaise Des Eaux) Supervi- massively scale cost effectively and thus Third, improving governance; by sion Cockpit in Senegal, and M-Pesa deliver a range of policy, technical and increasing transparency, accountability water payments in Kenya. financial products and services to the and participation; and by reducing the last mile. This will, however, require cost of access to information and ICTs are also being applied to simplify strategic efforts by all stakeholders, service delivery. service delivery and facilitate efficiency, government, financial service providers, speed, and timeliness of product and regulators to make this happen. There are already numerous examples delivery; and to enhance public The take-away lesson is that we must in Africa of how advancements in ICTs participation and engagement, such as be more deliberate on identifying the offer promising solutions for ensuring when used as a tool to encourage real game changers and focusing atten- the availability and sustainable citizens to voice their concerns and tion and resources on those innova- management of water and sanitation. In putting pressure on the local tions with the most potential to drive Senegal, Mali, Niger and Benin, ICTs government to address problems with affordable impact over the next 15 applications are being used to facilitate their water and sanitation services. An years. measurement and monitoring of water example is MajiVoice in Kenya. supplies, and enabling practitioners at More examples and detailed infor- the local level to ensure the equitable As the costs of ICTs continue to fall, mation on innovative and evidence- and sustainable extension of water, governments are now able to better based approaches for improved water sanitation and hygiene services. integrate ICTs into monitoring and eval- and sanitation are accessible online: Technologies such as mWater are being uation frameworks. For example, in www.worldbank/waterpractice and used to mark the location of Liberia the use of FLOW, an open www.wsp.org. infrastructure, log how many people source mapping software, allowed for About the Water and Sanitation Program: The Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) is a multi-donor trust funded partnership, administered by the World Bank Group under the Water Global Practice, supporting poor people in obtaining affordable, safe, and sustainable access to water and sanitation services. WSP’s work programs cover Africa, East Asia Pacific, Latin America, and South Asia.

THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 5 GFGP Programme

Good Financial Grant Practice Development has commenced of a standard will ultimately lead to a new pan-African standard which will process of certification of the finan- be called ‘Good Financial Grant cial functions of institutions. This will Practice (GFGP)’. enable funders to be confident that an institution is operating to GFGP Background standards and thus reduce the bur- An International Financial Governance den of multiple audits and financial Consortium (IFGC) was founded in assessments. Jan’ 2012 by some major funders of Medical Research and International It is planned that the GFGP Standard Aid in Africa, namely the Medical Re- and GFGP - FMAT tool will be equally search Council (MRC,UK), the Euro- applicable across all sectors such as pean & Developing Countries Clinical Governmental and Charitable funded Trials Partnership (EDCTP), the Well- national and international AID pro- come Trust (WT) and the Swedish grammes in Africa and other Low to Michael Kilpatrick Senior advisor for the Good Financial International Development Agency Grants Practice initiative at the AAS Middle Income Countries. (Sida). The consortium subsequently expanded to include many European and (Accelerating Excellence in Science in Key benefits US funders of research and Not for Africa ) programme which is co-funded  Reduction in the burden of audits Profit development aid programmes in by the Wellcome Trust, the Bill and and associated costs for fund recipi- Africa. Melinda Gates Foundation and DfID ents and their institutions; (UK). The New Partnership for Africa’s  Recipients and Institutions will have The objectives of the IFGC were to Development (NEPAD Agency ) has uniform guidelines and standards to identify, and agree, ways for funders to endorsed the GFGP Programme as a follow; have a more integrated approach for key enabling capability for African fund  Institutions will be able to assess addressing the financial management recipients and the development of the their financial capability and compe- challenges faced by both funders and new pan African standard of Good Fi- tency and apply for capacity devel- fund recipients in Africa. Common chal- nancial Grant Practice has been adopted opment funds to strengthen their lenges identified by members of the as a New Work Item by the African Or- finance functions; IFGC included funders independently ganisation for Standardisation (ARSO). carrying out pre –award assessments, The GFGP Programme will be incorpo-  A mechanism for sharing the GFGP having different reporting requirements, rated into the AESA platform and the - FMAT information amongst fun- and separately undertaking post project First Technical Draft of the GFGP stand- ders which will not only avoid repli- audits. This resulted in recipients having ard will be completed during 2016 when cation of pre-award assessments of multiple assessments, multiple audits, it will enter the ARSO Technical Har- recipients but also provide a re- and inconsistent requirements from fun- monisation Committee Stages. source for identifying common ders. All of which puts additional strain needs for financial capability training on recipient institutions’ finance func- Key deliverables: and development: tions which are typically under-funded  A pan-African standard of “Good  Reduction in administration costs and under-resourced. Financial Grant Practice (GFGP)” for funders and increased assurance will be developed and agreed by a that their funding is being used as The IFGC unanimously agreed that quorum of funders and recipients intended. there needed to be a paradigm shift to which is suitable for implementation  Harmonisation and standardisation address these challenges. As a conse- in recipient institutions in Africa, of pre award assessments and finan- quence, The Wellcome Trust and the  A Financial Management Assessment cial governance should lead to iden- Medical research Council are contrib- Tool (GFGP - FMAT) will be devel- tifying opportunities for standardis- uting towards a new initiative called the oped which recipients will use to ing a significant proportion of funder “Good Financial Grant Practice” Pro- self-assess their capabilities against reporting requirements. gramme. The GFGP Programme will the GFGP standard, involve a project delivery team to be Timeline  Funders will have access to a search- recruited and hosted at the African The Final Draft African Standard will be able data base of these GFGP-FMAT Academy of Sciences (AAS) in Nairobi, published and ready for adoption on a assessments, Kenya. pan-African basis towards the end of  Commercial audit companies will be 2017. Subject to securing additional The AAS was chosen to host the GFGP encouraged to obtain accreditation funding, the GFGP-FMAT tool and asso- Programme as the AAS is already the of their GFGP certification process, ciated dbase will be available for the chosen delivery vehicle for the AESA  Pan- African adoption of the GFGP launch of the new standard. 6 Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES NEWS High level panel for SDG6: 34 CIRCLE Visiting Fellows UN-Water committed to country led complete one year Fellowship

action, says UN Secretary-General Thirty-four (34) Early Career Researchers who were awarded Climate Impact Research Capacity Leadership he Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki- Enhancement (CIRCLE) visiting fellowships in 2015 have moon, and the President of the World Bank, Jim Yong completed their 1 year fellowships. The 34 formed the Kim, on 21 January 2016 jointly announced their inten- cohort 1 of CIRCLE Visiting Fellows (CVFs). tion to form a new panel to mobilize urgent action to- Twards the sustainable development goal for water and sanitation The CVFs were from 24 institutions in 9 African countries. (SDG 6) and related targets. The CVFs were hosted in 13 African institutions for the fellowship period. The cohort 1 of CVFs have excelled indi- The announcement comes as countries experience water stress vidually and collectively and distinguished themselves at and water-related disasters that will grow worse due to climate their host institutions. change without better policy decisions. Some the achievements of the CIRCLE cohort 1 a month to “Water is a precious resource, crucial to realizing the SDGs, which the completion of their fellowship include: at their heart aim to eradicate poverty,” said UN Secretary-  30 key publications from CIRCLE- General Ban Ki-moon. “The new Panel can help motivate the funded research results in the form action we need to turn ideas into reality. The United Nations of research articles in peer-reviewed system, including through UN-Water and the United Nations journals, review articles, blog posts, development system’s universal operational presence, is commit- conference proceedings and book ted to promote inclusive and country-led action on SDG6 and re- chapters lated targets.”  80% of cohort 1 CVFs have present- The panel, to be co-chaired by the Presidents of Mauritius and ed findings from their CIRCLE-funded Number of key Mexico, will comprise a group of heads of State/Government from research at international conferences publications by end developed and developing countries, convened by the United across the globe of November 2015 Nations Secretary-General and the President of the World Bank  There was promotion of intra- Group to: African collaboration between uni-  Motivate Action – Focus public policy dialogue, private sector versities and researchers in the uni- models and practices and civil society initiatives towards the versities. University of Energy and Water SDG; and Natural Resources in Ghana signed a collaborative agreement with the  Advocate on financing and implementation – Promote efforts University of Ibadan in Nigeria and to mobilize financial resources and scale-up investment for the Percentage of cohort 1 has jointly held a conference on Water SDG, including through innovative financing and CVFs that have pre- sustaining hydropower energy for implementation strategies. sented findings from economic growth and development their CIRCLE-funded

in West Africa in November 2015 research at interna- “Achieving the water global goal would have multiple benefits, as a result of a collaboration initiat- tional conferences including laying the foundations for food and energy security, across the globe ed by CIRLCE visiting fellows. sustainable urbanization, and ultimately climate security” said World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim. “My hope is that this  CIRCLE has provided avenues for its CVFs to link with panel accelerates action in many countries so that we can make existing project in climate change in Africa water more accessible to all.”  Three Post-Masters CVFs have won scholarships for PhD studies The World Bank and UN will facilitate access to a variety of  One Post-PhD CVF have won a bigger award to contin- technical organizations to support the panel, including OECD, ue his research and also get to train two Masters stu- Stockholm International Water Institute, World Economic Forum, dents World Water Council, and World Resources Institute. These modest achievements have come ahead of projected Water and Sanitation is one of six topical areas identified by AAS timelines and have been possible through dedication and in the academy’s strategic plan to work to build capacity and en- commitment from CVFs, hardwork by their supervisors, hance competence of African scientists to address the challenges specialist advisors and mentors. facing Africa. It is, therefore, welcome news to have this high level panel come into place and also have the President of Mauritius Read about some experiences of cohort 1 of CIRCLE fel- who is also a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences as a co- lows at: http://www.aasciences.ac.ke/programmes/circle- chair field-stories/

THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 7 AASAESA Fellows Launch elected in Pictures in 2015

Name: AKLILLU, Eleni Name: AWUAH, Esi Name: BALASUBRA- Name: COOVADIA, Name: DAAR, A Country: Sweden / Country: Ghana MANIAN, Dorairajan Hoosen Country: Oman/ Ethiopia Field: Geological, Envi- Country: India Country: South Africa Canada (Tanzania) Field: Medical and ronmental, Earth and Field: Biosciences Field: Medical and Field: Medical and Health Sciences Space Sciences Health Sciences Health Sciences

Name: EL MOURSLI Name: EKESI, Sunday Name: FALADE, Cath- Name: FAROMBI, Name: FETENE, Rajaâ C. Country: Nigeria erine Olufunke Ebenezer Masresha Country: Morocco Field: Agricultural and Country: Nigeria Country: Nigeria Country: Ethiopia Field: Physical Sciences Nutritional Sciences Field: Medical and Field: Biosciences Field: Biosciences Health Sciences

Name: FISH, Eleanor Name: GLITHO- Name: GRAY, Glenda Name: HABTEMARI- Name: HABIB, Adm Country: Canada AKUESON, Isabelle Elisabeth AM, Solomon Mahomed (United Kingdom) Country: Togo Country: South Africa Country: United King- Country: South Africa Field: Medical and Field: Biosciences Field: Medical and dom (Ethiopia) Field: Cultural Sciences, Health Sciences Health Sciences Field: Biosciences Humanities and Social Sciences

Name: HANEKOM, Name: HAILE, Sossina Name: IBE, Oliver Name: JAYE, Assan Name: JONNALA- Willem Country: Ethiopia/USA Country: USA/ Nigeria Country: Gambia GADDA, Sreekantha Country: South Africa Field: Engineering Field: Engineering Field: Medical and Country: South Africa Field: Medical and Technology and Applied Technology and Applied Health Sciences Field: Chemical Scienc- Health Sciences Sciences Sciences es

8 Science * Policy * Africa, January 2016 THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES AAS Fellows elected in 2015

Name: KUMWENDA, Name: MAJOZI, Name: MAHOMED Name: MARSH, Kevin Name: MIZRAHI, N. Isaac Thokozani Fazal Mahmood Country: United King- Valerie Country: Malawi Country: South Africa Country: South Africa dom Country: Italy / Zimba- Field: Medical and Field: Engineering Field: Mathematical Field: Medical and bwe Health Sciences Technology and Applied Sciences Health Sciences Field: Medical and Sciences Health Sciences

Name: MOGESSIE, Name: MUTAPI, Fran- Name: OZOEMENA, Name: QUAKYI, Isa- Name: RAMJUGER- Aberra cisca Kenneth Ikechukwu bella NATH, Deresh Country: Austria / Country: Zimbabwe/ Country: Nigeria / Country: Ghana Country: South Africa Ethiopia United Kingdom South Africa Field: Biosciences Field: Engineering Field: Geological, Envi- Field: Biosciences Field: Chemical Scienc- Technology and Applied ronmental, Earth and es Sciences Space Sciences

Name: SEWANKAM- Name: SHEPHARD, Name: SIMPORE, Name: TANGWA, Name: VALE, Peter BO, Nelson Gordon Jacques Godfrey Banyuy Christopher Country: Uganda Country: South Africa Country: Burkina Faso Country: Cameroun Country: South Africa Field: Medical and Field: Chemical Scienc- Field: Biosciences Field: Cultural Sciences, Field: Cultural Sciences, Health Sciences es Humanities and Social Humanities and Social Sciences Sciences

Name: VILAKAZI Name: ZHANG, Linqi Name: ZEWDE, Bahru Zeblon Country: China Country: Ethiopia Country: South Africa Field: Medical and Field: Cultural Sciences, Field: Physical Sciences Health Sciences Humanities and Social Sciences

THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 9

The Ishango Bone:

Symbol of humankind’s intellectual progress from the heart of Africa

By: Stephen A. Matlin, Alain Krief and Philippe Lambin

Introduction Significance of the Ishango Bone that the groups of lines represented During the period 1950 to 1959, the At its simplest, in addition to its func- numbers and that the bone was proof Belgian geologist Jean de Heinzelin de tion as a tool the Ishango Bone might of advanced mathematics, unprecedent- Braucourt, conducted archaeological have been used as a ‘tally’ or ‘counting’ ed for such an early period. excavations at Ishango, a region on the stick’– a way of recording the numbers shores of Lake Edward in what is now of objects that were owned or were Within the three columns of notches the Democratic Republic of Congo, being traded. There are many examples there are patterns that appear to close to the border with Uganda. This known of such sticks. demonstrate knowledge of mathemati- had earlier been identified as a site of cal properties and relationships. The prehistoric human activity and the exca- But analysis of the groupings of lines left hand column (Figure 1) includes all vations uncovered millions of objects, shows that they form patterns that the prime numbers between 10 and 20; including human bones and bone har- seem to have a more complex pur- the central column has three examples poon heads dating from 20,000 to pose. It was de Heinzelin’s hypothesis2 of a number and its double (3-6; 4-8; 5- 25,000 years ago. In 1957, de 10) as well as two other num- Heinzelin’s team found an bers that do not fit this pattern object which has become (5-7). The purpose of the right known as the Ishango Bone, 3 column seems to be more com- an archaeological treasure plex: Pletser and de Huyle- now in the Royal Belgian In- brouck3 have argued that the stitute of Natural Sciences 11 11 object was, in fact, a slide rule (RBINS) in Brussels1. 6 allowing complex calculations to be undertake – which would The 10 cm long Ishango Bone make the Ishango Bone the is made from two pieces of world’s oldest form of comput- different materials – a dark er4. Another theory is that the brown bone handle, carved 4 markings on the Bone may have from a mammal’s fibula been used as a form of six- (probably that of a baboon) 21 month lunar calendar.5 that has been narrowed, scraped and polished; to 13 8 Despite some scepticism6 about which a fine piece of quartz the precise purpose for which it has been fixed at one end. It was used, the Ishango Bone is is notable as one of very few widely acknowledged to attest surviving composite tools, its 10 to the practice of arithmetic at fabrication attesting to the this stage in human history, level of technological skill of 17 more than 20,000 years ago. It human beings at the time in survives as an enduring symbol manipulating materials for 5 19 of mankind’s intellectual pro- their use. The purpose of the gress7. object may have been as a fine cutting tool. In 2007 an international confer- 5 ence took place in Brussels on But what has made the Ishan- the Ishango Bone8. Considered a go Bone an object of interest 19 symbol of the birth of science in around the world is that the the world, an artist’s impression handle is notched on three 9 of the Bone was subsequently sides with columns containing 7 fabricated as 7-meter high fibre- a total of 168 parallel lines, glass replica, unveiled in 2010 arranged in groups. Analysis and now exhibited at RBINS, of the arrangements has indi- Brussels9. cated that they were used for = 60 = 48 = 60 some arithmetical purpose. Continue on page 11 Figure 1. Photo of one face of the Ishango bone and diagram depicting the numbers and groupings of parallel lines in columns on three of the faces

10 Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES The Ishango bone - Symbol of humankind’s Prof Youdeowei intellectual progress from the heart of Africa awarded Internation- continued from page 10 References: al Plant Protection The Ishango Bone and the 1. L. Camaert. Have you heard of Ishango? Brussels: Africa Academy of Sciences Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences 2015, 21pp. Award of Distinction, In 2014, the International Organiza- 2. J. de Heinzelin, Ishango. Scientific American 1962, tion for Chemical Sciences in Devel- 206(6), 105–116, doi: 10.1038/ scientificamerican0662-105. IPPAD opment (IOCD) was asked to help in www.nature.com/scientificamerican/journal/ a project to make copies of the Ishan- v206/n6/pdf/scientificamerican0662-105.pdf. 3. V. Pletser and D. de Huylebrouck. The Ishango go Bone which would be displayed in Artefact: the Missing Base 12 Link. Forma 1999, different places as a symbol of early 14, 339-346. www.scipress.org/journals/forma/ science in Africa. IOCD was delighted pdf/1404/14040339.pdf. 4. N. Marras. Was there life before computer? to assist and worked in close liaison www.nicolamarras.it/calcolatoria/ with a number of partners in the pro- was_there_life_before_computer_en.pdf. ject, including the African Academy of 5. A. Marshack, Roots of Civilisation, The Cognitive Beginnings of Man’s First Art, Symbol and Nota- Sciences (AAS), Nairobi, the Interna- tion. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, tional Institute of Theoretical Physics, 1972. 6. O. Keller. The fables of Ishango, or the irresistible Trieste, RBINS, UNESCO, Vitro Laser temptation of mathematical fiction. Bibnum Solutions UG, Germany and Prof. Ma- Euucation, 2010, 17pp. lik Maaza of the University of South www.bibnum.education.fr/sites/default/files/ Africa. ishango-analysis.pdf. Receiving the IPPAD Award from President of Interna- 7. D. de Huylebrouck. The Ishango project. J Mathe- tional Association of Plant Protection Sciences IAPPS, Prof matics and the Arts 2008, 2(3), 145-52. Goeff Norton, Berlin Germany - Monday 24 August 2015 As 2015 was the UN International https://lirias.kuleuven.be/ bitstream/123456789/440981/1/ISShango.pdf. Year of Light and Light-based Technol- 8. Ishango, 22000 and 50 Years Later: The Cradle of AAS Fellow Prof Anthony Youdeowei was ogies10, it was thought to be a fitting Mathematics? International Conference, Brus- awarded the International Plant Protection sels 28 Feb – 2 March 2007. way to mark this by creating a 21st http://africanarchaeology.naturalsciences.be/ Award of Distinction, IPPAD , at the Plant century version of the prehistoric archaeological-sites/dem.-rep.-congo-zaire/ Protection Congress in Berlin on 24 August original using glass and light to display Ishango/V.%20Bibliographic%20References/1.% 2015. He was one of 6 winners. He received 20List/ishango-22000-and-50-years-later-the- the Bone’s unique character. cradle-of-mathematics. this high recognition for “for his significant 9. P. Gerdes. Old and new mathematical ideas from contributions to global plant protection and With IOCD’s facilitation, the RBINS Africa: challenges for reflection. Proceedings, Annual Meeting of the Canadian Mathematics food security through his professional museum provided a 3D scan of the Education Study Group, 2012, 13-33. activities at AfricaRice (former WARDA), Bone to use in making replicas. Vitro http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED547246.pdf. FAO, World Bank, icipe and universities in 10. UN International Year of Light and Light-based Laser Solutions UG, a German glass Technologies. www.light2015.org/Home.html Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. fabrication company, was commis- 11. Science Policy Africa. African Academy of Sciences sioned to make two sets of replicas. In Newsletter, 2015, Vol 19, No 3. The purpose of the International Plant a 2D impression, the representation www.aasciences.org/. Protection Award of Distinction is to honour of the Ishango Bone is a 1.5 m tall, 0.5 About the authors those who have made significant contribu- m wide plate of glass in which the en- tions to plant protection on an international larged image of two faces of the origi- Prof. Stephen Matlin is Head of basis and who otherwise have served with nal has been engraved using a laser Strategic Development at distinction in advancing the cause of the plant beam. The refractive index of the glass IOCD. He is an Adjunct Profes- protection sciences. allows special light effects to be creat- sor in the Institute for Global Prof. Anthony Youdeowei is an International ed inside the plate by LED sources Health Innovation at Imperial College London and a Senior Consultant for African Agricultural Research located at an edge and powdered by Fellow in the Global Health and Rural Development, Former Director of sunlight. In a 3D version, an enlarged Programme at the Graduate Institute, Geneva. Training and Communications of West Africa solid image is laser-engraved in a 20 Rice Development Association (WARDA), cm tall glass block. Prof Alain Krief is Executive Director of IOCD, an interna- Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. IOCD is proud to be in official collab- tional NGO created by Prof Youdeowei expressed his deepest pleas- oration with the African Academy of UNESCO in 1981 and head- ure, and profound gratitude to the Governing Sciences, with which a Memorandum quartered in Belgium. He is Board, International Association of Plant Pro- Emeritus Professor of Organic of Understanding was signed in 2012. tection Sciences, for the award. He acknowl- Chemistry in the University of One of the replicas of the Ishango edged, with gratitude, the opportunities and 11 Namur, Belgium. Bone was presented to AAS on 10 environments provided for his professional September 2015 and will be on per- Prof Philippe Lambin is Treasur- work in plant protection by AfricaRice manent display at the AAS headquar- er of IOCD and Professor of (formally WARDA); the Food and Agriculture ters in Nairobi. Physics in the University of Organization of the United Nations, FAO; Namur, Belgium. and the International Centre of Insect Physi-

ology and Ecology, icipe.

THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 11 AAS staff visit Wellcome Trust

From November 23 ered expertly by the to December 4, Wellcome Trust staff, 2015, nine members there were other in- of AAS staff from formal meetings where the African the AAS team had op- Academy of portunity to learn Sciences visited the more. Wellcome Trust in London for a Grants Alphonsus Neba made Management and a presentation on AAS Finance Training and AESA at a programme. This Wellcome Trust training programme Grants Management builds on in-house departmental meeting. support the team This was a great time have been receiving for the wider Grants in Nairobi to Management Team at successfully manage Wellcome Trust to Group picture of AAS staff with some of the Grants Management Team at Wellcome Trust its strategic meet the AAS team partnership and hear of progress schemes. with AAS and AESA.

The AAS staff from the grants It was a very pleasant two weeks of management team that visited hands-on learning and sharing London are Suscan Gichoga (Grants experiences. The AAS team is highly Officer), Olivia Osula (Programmes grateful to Wellcome Trust for Assistant), Evelyn Gitau (Programme facilitating this training. Special Manager, Grand Challenges Africa), appreciation to Simon Kay, Harriet Benjamin Gyampoh (Programme Hall, Nidhee Jadeja, Sophie Manager, CIRCLE), Alphonsus Neba Mathewson, Emma Ralph, Frankie (Programme Manager, DELTAS) and Stone, Robert Coutts and the entire Josephine Karuri (Monitoring and Wellcome Trust team. Evaluation Manager) Grants Management training session at Wellcome Trust Both the African Academy of Scienc- The purpose of the Grants management. es and the Wellcome Trust believe that Management training programme was 3. Understand the AESA specific the training provided the AAS team and to provide AAS programme staff with: challenges and discuss possible the experiences shared by staff of the 1. Knowledge of good practice in solutions. two organisations has provided helpful grants management. 4. Empower AESA staff to review perspectives and the necessary skills to 2. Theoretical and practical under- their existing financial policies and forge their path forward and ensure standing of making and managing processes relevant to African successful implementation and manage- grants. context. ment of programmes on the AESA 3. Share principles of grant manage- platform. ment Over 35 staff from the 4. Empower AESA staff to develop Wellcome Trust staff relevant policies and processes rel- contributed to the evant to African context. training programme in topics that ranged from The finance team from AAS were Isabel risk management to Imbuye (Grants Accountant), Hannah peer review to funding Ngugi (Finance and Administration partnerships. Manager) and Anne Kimari (Chief Operations Officer). The purpose of It was a really positive the Finance training programme was to experience for both the provide AAS programme staff with: Wellcome Trust and AAS staff . 1. An overview of the Trust’s finance processes. Beyond the formal 2. Share principles of finance training that was deliv- AAS and Wellcome Trust collaboration will see AESA soar high

12 Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

BOTSWANA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE (BAS) LAUNCHED

The Botswana Academy of Science “However, we believe that the services (BAS) was launched on 10th November that will be provided by the Botswana 2015 at Mokolodi Nature Reserve in Academy of Science to government will Gaborone by the Minister of Infrastruc- become so essential to facilitate our ture, Science and Technology Mr Non- Parliament and we hope in future, gov- ofo Molefhi. BAS is an organisation that ernment will have a more committal would represent science and scholar- stance based on their unique role” he ship in Botswana and the aim is to gen- said. erate evidence-based solutions to na- tional problems that will benefit society. Prof Nelson Torto, BITRI CEO and Fel- The academy is established on the low of the AAS said this about the im- premise that scientific knowledge and Botswana’s Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Tech- portance of having an academy in Bot- nology, Mr Nonofo Molefhi. Photo Credit: BITRI scientific progress are vital to advance swana “The academy will deal with diffi- human welfare and development. BAS cult issues that relate to S&T as well as will also contribute in critical areas such and mission of the BAS. the arts in Botswana. It will enable Bot- as the National Development Plans swana to leverage expertise from oth- (NDPs), long term national vision, dis- In his launch remarks the Minister said er academies to drive agendas that oth- tricts and urban development plans, as “This marks a milestone, in our scien- er countries have already addressed. It well as initiatives such as knowledge tific advancement, as Botswana. Acade- will also allow Botswana to be part of economy and citizen economic empow- mies of Science are reported to bring the international network as an acade- erment. Some of the objectives of the many benefits in countries where they my presents an entry pass to some of BAS are: to recognise, support and pro- exist world-wide. They provide inde- the organisations and networks. It will mote excellence in scientific research pendent and objective advice on mat- also help promote and place science and service performed by Botswana ters related to science and technology. I at the centre of Botswana’s develop- Scientists, to promote contacts among am therefore, hopeful that the Botswa- ment.” Botswana scientists and with the world na Academy of Science will contribute scientific community as well as to to guiding scientific focus and to impact He further added that “the pres- strengthen the global position and role the lives of our people, enhance our ence of the Minister of Infrastructure of scientific research performed by Bot- economy, manage and optimize benefits Science and technology for Botswana swana scientists. from our environment and resources, and the President of the Academy of as well as linking us globally Sciences of South Africa demonstrated as a country”. the local buy-in from the science host ministry in Botswana as well as interna- Mr Molefhi also said it is tional approval, support and validation gratifying that in such a from a much older academy in Africa.” short space of time after the re-establishment of the Re- The guest speaker during the launch search, Science and Tech- was Prof Daya Reddy, President of the nology sub sector High-level Academy of Science of South Africa Consultative Committee (ASSAf) and a Professor in the Depart- whose role is to specifically ment of Mathematics & Applied Mathe- give issues related to this matics at the University of Cape Town. Prof Modisi, Chair of BAS giving an overview of the formation of BAS. sub-sector the attention it He presented on the topic “Establishing Photo Credit: BITRI deserves, the BAS is an Academy of Science: Experiences launched. “It is my expecta- from ASSAf” and shared some of the BAS is currently being overseen by a tion that the fragmentation and silo ap- many national projects that ASSAf has committee comprising scientists from proach to research will be greatly re- been involved in. the University of Botswana, the Botswa- duced, and instead we shall experience na Institute for Technology Research a more mission focused approach as and Innovation, the Botswana Interna- espoused in the Botswana National Re- tional University of Science and Tech- search Science and Technology Plan”. nology and the Department of Research Science and Technology until its Gov- The Minister said even though some erning Council (GC) is elected in the countries have established their science first quarter of 2016. The leaders will academies by an Act of Parliament, Bot- be inaugurated at the African Academy swana could not do so now due to the of Sciences General Assembly that will current focus on establishing requisite be held in Botswana in June 2016. The structures for coordinating research, Prof Daya Reddy, President of ASSAf. GC will also help to shape the vision science and technology nationally. Photo Credit: BITRI

THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 13

Zika Virus Factsheet Key facts in babies born with microcephaly in Special attention and help should be  Zika virus disease is caused by a northeast Brazil. Agencies investigating given to those who may not be able to virus transmitted the Zika outbreaks are finding an protect themselves adequately, such as by Aedes mosquitoes. increasing body of evidence about the young children, the sick or elderly.  People with Zika virus disease link between Zika virus and During outbreaks, health authorities usually have symptoms that can microcephaly. However, more may advise that spraying of insecticides include mild fever, skin rashes, investigation is needed to better be carried out. Insecticides recommend- conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, understand the relationship between ed by the WHO Pesticide Evaluation malaise or headache. These microcephaly in babies and the Zika Scheme may also be used as larvicides to symptoms normally last for 2-7 days. virus. Other potential causes are also treat relatively large water containers. being investigated. Travellers should take the basic  There is no specific treatment or precautions described above to protect vaccine currently available. Transmission themselves from mosquito bites.  The best form of prevention is Zika virus is transmitted to people protection against mosquito bites. through the bite of an infected mosquito Treatment  The virus is known to circulate in from theAedes genus, mainly Aedes Zika virus disease is usually relatively Africa, the Americas, Asia and the aegypti in tropical regions. This is the mild and requires no specific treatment. Pacific. same mosquito that transmits dengue, People sick with Zika virus should get chikungunya and yellow fever. plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and Introduction Zika virus disease outbreaks were treat pain and fever with common medi- Zika virus is an emerging mosquito- reported for the first time from the cines. If symptoms worsen, they should borne virus that was first identified in Pacific in 2007 and 2013 (Yap and seek medical care and advice. There is Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys French Polynesia, respectively), and in currently no vaccine available. through a monitoring network of 2015 from the Americas (Brazil and sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently Colombia) and Africa (Cape Verde). In WHO response identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda addition, more than 13 countries in the WHO is supporting countries to control and the United Republic of Tanzania. Americas have reported sporadic Zika Zika virus disease through: Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have virus infections indicating rapid  Define and prioritize research into been recorded in Africa, the Americas, geographic expansion of Zika virus. Zika virus disease by convening Asia and the Pacific. experts and partners.  Genre: Flavivirus Diagnosis  Enhance surveillance of Zika virus  Vector: Aedes mosquitoes (which Infection with Zika virus may be and potential complications. suspected based on symptoms and usually bite during the morning and  Strengthen capacity in risk commu- recent history (e.g. residence or travel late afternoon/evening hours) nication to help countries meet to an area where Zika virus is known to  Reservoir: Unknown their commitments under the be present). Zika virus diagnosis can International Health Regulations. only be confirmed by laboratory testing for the presence of Zika virus RNA in  Provide training on clinical manage- Signs and Symptoms ment, diagnosis and vector control The incubation period (the time from the blood or other body fluids, such as urine or saliva. including through a number of exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus WHO Collaborating Centres. disease is not clear, but is likely to be a  Strengthen the capacity of few days. The symptoms are similar to Prevention laboratories to detect the virus. other arbovirus infections such as den- Mosquitoes and their breeding sites gue, and include fever, skin rashes, con- pose a significant risk factor for Zika  Support health authorities to junctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, virus infection. Prevention and control implement vector control strategies and headache. These symptoms are usu- relies on reducing mosquitoes through aimed at reducing Aedes mosquito ally mild and last for 2-7 days. source reduction (removal and populations such as providing modification of breeding sites) and larvicide to treat standing water Potential complications of Zika reducing contact between mosquitoes sites that cannot be treated in other virus disease and people. This can be done by using ways, such as cleaning, emptying, During large outbreaks in French insect repellent; wearing clothes and covering them. Polynesia and Brazil in 2013 and 2015 (preferably light-coloured) that cover as  Prepare recommendations for respectively, national health authorities much of the body as possible; using clinical care and follow-up of people reported potential neurological and auto physical barriers such as screens, closed with Zika virus, in collaboration with -immune complications of Zika virus doors and windows; and sleeping under experts and other health agencies. disease. Recently in Brazil, local health mosquito nets. It is also important to authorities have observed an increase in empty, clean or cover containers that Source: Guillain-Barré syndrome which can hold water such as buckets, flower http://www.who.int/mediacentre/ coincided with Zika virus infections in pots or tyres, so that places where factsheets/zika/en/ the general public, as well as an increase mosquitoes can breed are removed.

14 Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES New Staff Join AAS

Alieu Awe Evelyn Namubiru – Evelyn Gitau Joel Salano Mwaura Alieu Awe is Good Financial Evelyn Gitau has joined the Joel joins AAS as the ICT Grant Practices. Prior to join- Evelyn is AAS Strategy and African Academy of Sciences administrator. He will be ing AAS, he was Director of Policy Manager. She will be as Programme Manager. responsible for AAS IT sys- Internal Audit and Business responsible for supporting the Evelyn is responsible for tems and manage IT vendors Development for sub-Saharan development of an overarch- the implementation of the Bill to meet the agreed Service Africa at Global Voice Group ing strategy to accelerate sci- and Melinda Gates Founda- Level Agreements. SA, South African. He has entific excellence in Africa and tion supported Grand Chal- Joel has over 2 years’ extensive financial operation ensuring that the direction of lenges Africa initiative, in experience working with management working as CFO, the scientific research agenda which the Alliance for Kenya Airways where he has Head of financial control and meets the strategic aims of Accelerating Excellence in been a tier two Technical Support Specialist at Ecobank AAS. Sciences in Africa (AESA) is a Support Engineer and Help Gambia and Guaranty Trust partner. Bank Gambia and Bank of Evelyn has over 17 years of Desk Analyst, his skills and America (formerly Nations experience in policy analysis Gitau holds a PhD in life sci- experience are in Bank). He also has auditing and international develop- ences from the United King- information system support, experience working as an Au- ment. She has worked with dom’s Open University. She security, networks and dit Senior at Deloitte which AGRA, the World Bank, UN- has over 10 years’ experience server support, trouble- exposed him to varied audit REDD, UNDP-GEF, Interna- in medical research. shooting, installations, tional Forestry Resources and and configuration. assignment of clients from In 2015, she was appointed difference industries. Institutions (IFRI) and fellow of the Next Einstein Joel is hold a Bachelor Of Makerere University. He is a Fellow of The Associ- Forum where she acts as an Science in Computer Science ation of Certified Account- Evelyn holds a Joint PhD in ambassador for the from JKUAT, he is a Cisco ants (FCCA) and an MBA Public Policy from Indiana Uni- development of Science, Certified Network Associate candidate of the University of versity. She is also currently Technology, Engineering and and currently undertaking a Liverpool. the Vice President of African Mathematics (STEM) in Microsoft Certified System Association of Agricultural Africa. Engineer certification. Economists.

Emmanuel Odongo has joined the AAS sec- Serah N. Githinji has joined AAS as retariat as the Procurement Officer. He has Administrative Assistant under the over 5years’ experience in Procurement Grand Challenges Africa Programme. management, Finance and administration. She has 10 years of experience using He holds a Bachelor of Business Admin- exceptional communication and lead- istration (Hons) from Limkokwing Universi- ership skills to coach, manage, and mo- ty of Creative Technology and Diploma in tivate diverse professionals in challeng- Accounting (ICM). He is currently pursing ing environments. She has excellent Masters of Arts in Monitoring and Evalua- human resource skills and ability to Serah Emmanuel tion at Daystar University. ensure effective office management. Githinji Odongo

THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 15 Science*Policy*Africa Opportunities Call for MUII-plus Grants The Makerere University – UVRI Centre of research by providing grants which support Excellence for Infection and Immunity collaborative initiatives and short-term Research and Training (MUII-plus) is calling technical and professional training. for applications to MUII-plus Grants, February 2016. Applications for funding through MUII-plus should propose research which (i) is based Infectious diseases still represent a major in Uganda, (ii) has a clear link to Makerere health burden in Africa. HIV, malaria and University or to the Uganda Virus Research tuberculosis are still major killers. Institute and (iii) involves translational Neglected infectious diseases cause science, linking epidemiological or clinical Contact AAS extensive illness and misery. Emerging and studies to laboratory investigations, or to Physical Address: No. 8 Miotoni re-emerging infectious diseases threaten the bioinformatics and computational analyses. Lane, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya fabric of society. Vaccines, improved African scientists of any nationality are Postal Address: P. O. Box 24916 - diagnostics and improved interventions are welcome to apply but the work must be 00502, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (20) 806 0674; Mob: +254 greatly needed for most of these conditions. based in Uganda. 725 290 145; Fax: +254 (20) 806 0674 However, the transition to urban living and Website: changing lifestyles mean that exposure to Applications that promote collaborations www.aasciences.ac.ke infections is changing and the so-called “non- between Makerere and UVRI, and with

President: Prof Aderemi Kuku communicable” diseases (NCDs) – such as other partners in Uganda, are encouraged, Email: [email protected] cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke as are collaborations with world-leading Sec Gen: Prof Georges-Ivo Ekosse – are becoming major concerns in our regional and international research partners. [email protected] Treasurer: societies. There are important infection- Potential applicants who would like help in Email: [email protected] NCD links: infections may be casual agents identifying suitable collaborations are Exec Director: Prof Berhanu Abegaz (as in some cancers) or may modulate im- encouraged to contact the secretariat Email: [email protected] mune responses and even protect against through the Programme Manager for Driving Scientific and Technological inflammatory diseases (such as asthma). At support. Development in Africa the same time, human genetic studies promise new insights into immunobiology Co-funding from a second source is because genetic variability in Africa is so encouraged where this is available and will high, and pathogen genomics contributes enhance the research or training understanding of biology and transmission. opportunity. Www.facebook.com/aasciences MUII-plus is interested in supporting research in these important areas. Candidates should submit their applications using the forms provided www.muii.org.ug https://twitter.com/AASciences MUII-plus funding opportunities are directed at two goals. First, to support training and Further enquiries may be directed to the career development for potential and Programme Manager, Dr Damian Rutazaana SCIENCE * POLICY * AFRICA emerging African leaders in Infection and ([email protected]) or Administrator, is published by the Immunity research. Second, to support Mr Moses Kizza ([email protected]; mo- African Academy of Sciences Secretariat Infection and Immunity researchers at all [email protected]). P. O. Box 24916, Nairobi, Kenya, Tel: (254-02) 8060674/6, levels in Uganda to undertake world-class E-Mail: [email protected] www.aasciences.org

Editor: Dr Benji Apraku Gyampoh [email protected] Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders (IDeAL) Up to 5 fellowships are available for African mid-career postdoctoral researchers. These “Science * Policy * Africa” Is a quarterly newsletter of the African Academy of Sci- fellowships, which will be funded under the Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders ences. The Newsletter carries information on science and policy issues on the African (IDeAL), will provide an opportunity for the African researchers to develop their own continent and beyond. It seeks to deepen the science-policy discourse in Africa. The research program within KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) with stints Newsletter also provides information on at collaborating international institutions. activities of the AAS to the global science and policy community. Views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the Deadline for application is 20th February 2016. For further information and application authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the African please visit the Postdoctoral Researchers’ portal at http://www.kemri-wellcome.org/ Academy of Sciences. “Science * Policy * Africa” is produced with support from The index.php/en/capacitystrengthening. Please note that only online applications will be accepted. World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) If you have any queries please contact IDeAL director – [email protected]

16 Science*Policy*Africa, January 2016 THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES