Dear Neil and Bill Gates Foundation,
When a research project funder like Bill Gates Foundation decides to stop paying Article Processing Charges (APCs), it can significantly affect the visibility, accessibility, utilization, and impact of funded research. Without APC support, researchers may not be able to publish in open-access journals, with the risk of limiting global access to their findings — especially in low- and middle-income regions. This decision can also create inequities between well-funded and under-resourced researchers, reducing collaboration, impeding knowledge management, and slowing scientific progress. Furthermore, it undermines the funder’s commitment to knowledge dissemination, transparency, and public benefit, as valuable research outcomes risk being locked behind paywalls, restricting their contribution to innovation and evidence-based policymaking; and ultimately impeding progress the 2030 SDGs, and Africa Agenda 2063.
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje
CEO and Perm. Rep. to the United Nations Systems, Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA);
National Coordinator, Civil Society Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria (CSP-SDGs);
President, African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO);
President, Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria (SOCSEEN);
Chair, Global Civil Society Consortium on Climate Change and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC).
Global Health and Dev’t Projects Consultant | Conferences Organizer | Trainer| Facilitator | Researcher | M&E Expert | Civil Society Leader | Policy Advocate
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HIFA profile: Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a leading voice in health education, community health, and advocacy, with decades of experience advancing people-centered development across Africa and beyond. His approach to health education emphasizes participatory learning, knowledge transfer, and behavior change communication, ensuring that individuals and communities gain the skills and awareness to make informed decisions about their health. He develops and delivers innovative health promotion strategies tailored to local realities, particularly in resource-limited settings. In community health, Dr. Adirieje has championed integrated primary health care, preventive medicine, and grassroots health initiatives. Through Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), which he leads, he connects civil society, community groups, and health institutions to strengthen healthcare delivery, tackle health inequities, and improve access to essential services for vulnerable populations. His work addresses infectious diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, climate and health, environmental health, and emerging public health challenges. As a passionate advocate, Dr. Adirieje works with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to influence health policy, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable development goals (SDGs). He amplifies community voices, ensuring that health systems are inclusive, accountable, and responsive. His advocacy extends beyond health to governance, environment, and social justice, positioning him as a multidisciplinary leader shaping healthier and more equitable societies. afrepton AT gmail.com