Francine Ntoumi, CANTAM

Professor Francine Ntoumi is currently Chair and Executive Director of the Congolese Foundation for Medical Research, and Project Coordinator of CANTAM. She was the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM) Coordinator until August 2010. In this role one of her main aims was to build a pool of African malaria researchers, particularly encouraging more women into science. Prior to 2007, she was Senior Scientific Officer at the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). In 2010 Le Metropolis magazine made her one of Congo's top 50 women to make their mark on the country's history.

Professor Francine Ntoumi

1.  What were the main outcomes of the CANTAM meeting? 

The meeting brought together malaria programme managers and scientists representing each country, and initiated frank discussion about the contribution local scientists can make to malaria control programmes. We were able to identify our common strengths and weaknesses, and find ways of filling the gaps.

2.  Do you think the malaria situation in Africa is improving? 

We cannot ignore the success stories from some African countries. However, it is important to point out that limited data are available from Central Africa, and, considering the disparities in the control of medicine markets, and the counterfeit products in local shops, we must be careful how we evaluate the malaria situation. We need more evidence before we can say things are getting better or worse. 

3.  What do you think WWARN can offer African researchers?

WWARN can offer a new platform for exchange of information on malaria, but additionally, knowing that many institutions in Central Africa do not have experienced biostatisticians, WWARN offers crucial and useful assistance in data analysis.

4.  What does your current role at the Foundation involve?

I am now involved in building research capacities for infectious diseases in Brazzaville at the Faculty of Health Sciences. That's why the Foundation facilitated the WWARN–CANTAM meeting in Brazzaville through its secretariat.

5.  What particular problems did you face in your job with MIM?

The experience with MIM was great and challenging in several ways.  It was the first time that the Secretariat was held in Africa, it was led by an African woman, and hosted by an African institution. I was proud to lead this because I know how MIM has pioneered important initiatives on strengthening malaria research capacities in Africa.