Board on African Science Academy Development (BASAD)

	Background The African Science Academy Development Initiative of the U.S. National Academies directly engages African academies of science in building their capacity to provide independent, evidence-based advice to their governments and countries on health-related matters. Supported by a generous grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation the 10-year effort aims to strengthen each academy’s capacity in infrastructure, experience, and personnel, and to develop and sustain a relationship between the academy and its government and nation such that the academy is regarded as a trusted source of excellent scientific advice. The need for scientific knowledge and technical expertise in the formation of government policy within developing African nations is vividly clear. Striking examples are evident in many African countries in decisions related both to HIV/AIDS and to the acceptance of genetically modified crops, as well as, more generally, in the design of national systems for health, agriculture, education, and other critical national needs. A strong, respected, balanced, impartial, and independent voice from the scientific and medical communities can compel attention to objective evidence in public policy debates and increase the probability that decisions are made in the public interest.
Board on African Science Academy Development The National Academies 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 USA africa@nas.edu Phone: 202-334-1748 Fax: 202-334-3861 www.nationalacademies.org