The Blantyre March for Science satellite event was held April 22 to support science, scientists and evidence-based policymaking. The theme of our event was Stand Up for Science. We had 70 attendees and a legion of help in organizing it. It really does take a village.
The "march" was not planned to be anti-Trump, but was for anyone who values science.
The current budget proposal by the Trump administration has made the need to stand up for science even more urgent. Congress holds the purse strings, but the president has recommended steep cuts on global health research agencies, foreign aid programs and initiatives. He is proposing a $5.8 billion cut to the National Institutes of Health (19% of its budget!) and he has proposed the total elimination of the Fogarty International Center, part of the NIH that supports and facilitates global health research.
Many scientists working in Malawi are funded by U.S. groups like NIH so the budget is of utmost importance here.
I was interviewed by Inside Higher Ed about the efforts and concerns scientists in Malawi have. You can read the article here. And see more pictures about our event, including a list of our organizers by following this link.
It was a wonderfully inspiring day. Thanks to everyone who came out in support of science and our efforts at Blyantre, where some of the best malaria research in the world takes place. Zikomo kwambiri!
