Working Towards Better Health in Africa: Where Should We Concentrate Research Efforts?

Research efforts are targeted towards infectious diseases that affect large numbers of people globally, outstripping research into non-communicable occupational diseases in smaller worker populations. Several studies has been conducted in the mining and construction industries, while the large agricultural andservicessectorshavebeenlargelyneglected.Thisisdue,somewhat, to the geographical dispersal of agricultural workers, and diversity of those in the services sector. Africa’s large and vulnerable informal worker population – many of whom are women or children – also deserve attention, to reduce their exposure to modifiable risk factors that affect their health. As technology progresses, opportunities for employment in new industries emerge, together with unique health and safety risks. Africa needs high quality research to protect workers and safeguard countries’ economies.