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Miriam Mutebi: What Can 1 Million Dollars Do for African Cancer Research?

Miriam Mutebi/LinkedIn

May 15, 2025, 07:38

Miriam Mutebi: What Can 1 Million Dollars Do for African Cancer Research?

Miriam Mutebi, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, posted on LinkedIn:

“What Can 1 Million Dollars Do for African Cancer Research?

You know that feeling. When a problem seems too big, too entrenched, and… you’re ambitions, too audacious? It’s easy to think, ‘What difference can I really make?’ But here’s the truth: $1 million isn’t just money, it’s a spark. For global donors, it might seem small. But for African cancer researchers? It’s a game-changer. As we speak, brilliant minds are locked out, lacking starter funds, mentorship, or platforms to share their work. Research priorities set abroad don’t always match our reality. Early-career oncologists struggle to answer even the most basic questions: Why are certain cancers more aggressive here? How can we adapt treatments to our context?

But imagine this instead:

Seed grants made available to fuel young researchers to tackle local challenges.

Mentorship networks connecting oncology experts with rising talent.

Collaborative research hubs littered across Africa, sharing data and solutions.

Dissemination platforms ensuring discoveries don’t gather dust, amplifying African research findings globally.

So: What Can 1 Million dollars Do for African Cancer Research, you ask? My short answer: This isn’t just about money; it’s about changing the narrative from “We can’t” to “Watch us.”

That $1M? It’s not a drop in the bucket by any standard. But it’s the first ripple of a wave. One that signifies a commitment to empowering African researchers on the continent and transforming cancercare from within.”