Silent No More: Women Virologists from LMICs Breaking Barriers and Protecting Global Health
Celebrating the groundbreaking work of women virologists from low- and middle-income countries who are transforming global health despite facing extraordinary challenges.
Introduction
In the world of science, some of the most brilliant minds remain in the shadows, their contributions overlooked and their voices unheard. Nowhere is this more evident than in the field of virology, where women scientists from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have been making groundbreaking discoveries despite facing extraordinary challenges. From the discovery of rotavirus to the isolation of HIV, women have advanced virology for decades, yet their work often goes unrecognized 1 .
Consider this striking disparity: women represent only 30% of scientists in sub-Saharan Africa, 23% in Southeast Asia, 17% in South Asia, and 44% in Latin America 1 . The consequences of this underrepresentation are far-reaching, impacting the scientific questions that get asked, the representation of women in clinical studies, and the lack of same-gender mentorship for aspiring young scientists 1 .
Yet, despite historically being marginalized by the scientific community, these researchers are now stepping out of the shadows, and their work has never been more critical. At a time when the world faces emerging infectious diseases and health crises, the need for scientific innovation and diverse approaches is paramount.
This article celebrates the women virologists from LMICs who are not only expanding our understanding of viruses but also transforming the scientific landscape for future generations.
Barriers and Progress: The Landscape for Women in Science
The path to scientific achievement for women in LMICs is marked by unique challenges that extend beyond the laboratory walls. Traditional gender roles and responsibilities often create significant barriers for girls and women pursuing education and scientific careers. Discrimination in educational institutions and workplaces, coupled with negative stereotypes about women's capabilities in scientific pursuits, further compounds these challenges 1 .
Pandemic Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated existing inequalities. Women scientists—particularly those from the Global South—shouldered a disproportionate burden of home responsibilities while striving to maintain research output 9 .
Career Pathways
The "leaky pipeline" metaphor describes how women drop out of STEM fields. Some researchers propose a "braided river" model to represent the valuable, meandering career paths women often take—paths that may include detours but ultimately enrich scientific perspective 9 .
A Changing Tide
Despite these challenges, support systems are emerging to empower women scientists in LMICs:
SWIS Programme
The Supporting Women in Science (SWIS) programme offers online, distance learning with a self-paced approach, combining coursework with mentored fellowships and research funding 7 .
OWSD
The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) has been developing programs for over 30 years to increase opportunities, visibility, and recognition for women from the Global South in STEM 9 .
Virtual HRCS
Virtual health research capacity strengthening (HRCS) programs use e-courses and e-mentoring to make scientific training more accessible across geographical and time constraints 3 .
"Increasingly, we're seeing women's research and leadership recognized, not just as an issue of representation, but as indispensable for solving global challenges" — Dr. Tonya Blowers, OWSD Coordinator 6 .
Pioneering Virologists and Their Impact
Across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, women virologists are leading research that transforms our understanding of viruses and their impact on human health. Their work spans from tracking deadly pathogens in animal populations to developing strategies to combat infections in vulnerable human populations.
Professor Wanda Markotter
Centre for Viral Zoonoses, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Leads groundbreaking research on bat-borne viruses, focusing on understanding how viruses spill over from bats to humans.
Professor Georgina Njideka Odaibo
University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
Made substantial contributions to understanding viral epidemiology in West Africa, focusing on HIV, respiratory viruses, and hepatitis.
Professor Judith Ndongo Torimiro
Cameroon Academy of Sciences
Dedicated career to understanding viral cross-species transmission and mother-to-child transmission of viruses.
Representation of Women Researchers in LMICs (2018-2023)
A Closer Look: Tracking Coronaviruses in Bat Populations
One of the most critical areas of virology research in LMICs involves understanding the origins and transmission patterns of viruses with pandemic potential. Bats serve as natural reservoirs for numerous viruses, including coronaviruses, and studying them in their natural habitats provides invaluable insights for preventing future outbreaks.
The Investigation
Professor Markotter and her team conducted surveillance of coronaviruses in multiple bat species across different regions of Africa. The research aimed to understand the factors influencing coronavirus diversity and spillover potential 1 .
Field Collection
Researchers collected fecal samples and occasionally urine or saliva from bats in their natural habitats across various locations in South Africa and Rwanda.
Species Identification
Each bat was carefully identified to determine its species, as different bat species are known to host different coronaviruses.
Sample Processing
Samples were stabilized and transported to the laboratory under conditions that preserved viral RNA.
Molecular Analysis
Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), researchers screened samples for coronavirus RNA, targeting conserved regions of the viral genome.
Genetic Sequencing
Positive samples underwent genetic sequencing to identify specific coronavirus strains and analyze their relationship to known coronaviruses.
Data Analysis
The team correlated coronavirus findings with bat species mobility patterns, comparing sedentary versus highly mobile species.
Groundbreaking Results and Implications
The research yielded a crucial discovery: the mobility of bat host species determined coronavirus diversity more significantly than geographic location 1 . Highly mobile bat species showed greater coronavirus diversity and a higher potential for host-switching compared to more sedentary species.
Key Finding
Bat mobility is a more significant factor in coronavirus diversity than geographic location, directly influencing spillover potential to humans.
Implication
Rather than focusing surveillance efforts solely on specific geographic hotspots, we must consider the behavior and mobility of reservoir hosts to predict spillover potential.
The study also detected betacoronavirus RNA in Rwandan bats belonging to Rhinolophus clivosus 1 , providing important baseline data about coronaviruses circulating in bat populations before the COVID-19 pandemic. This work exemplifies the vital importance of foundational virology research in LMICs, where many emerging viruses originate.
Key Virology Discoveries by Women Scientists in LMICs
| Scientist | Virus Focus | Key Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Prof. Wanda Markotter | Coronaviruses, lyssaviruses, filoviruses | Bat mobility determines coronavirus diversity more than geography |
| Prof. Georgina Odaibo | HIV, HBV, HCV, rotavirus | Documented 11.9% prevalence of HIV-HBV co-infection in Nigeria |
| Prof. Judith Torimiro | HIV, HTLV, hepatitis viruses | Identified rare HIV-1 variants and new HTLV viruses in Cameroon |
| Dr. Flossie Wong-Staal* | HIV | First scientist to clone HIV and determine its function |
| Multiple scientists | Rotavirus | Discovery of rotavirus and development of polio vaccine |
*Note: Dr. Flossie Wong-Staal, though not from an LMIC, made foundational contributions to virology that advanced the field globally 6 .
The Scientist's Toolkit: Essential Research Reagents and Methods
The groundbreaking work of virologists depends on a sophisticated array of laboratory tools and techniques. Understanding these methods helps appreciate the complexity of viral research and the expertise required to conduct it safely and effectively.
PCR/RT-PCR
Function: Amplifies specific DNA/RNA sequences
Application: Detecting viral genetic material in patient samples
Cell Culture Systems
Function: Supports virus growth in laboratory
Application: Studying virus replication and testing antivirals
ELISA Kits
Function: Detects antibodies or antigens
Application: Diagnosing infections through immune response
Sequencing Reagents
Function: Determines genetic code of viruses
Application: Tracking viral mutations and transmission chains
Specialized Techniques in Viral Surveillance
Beyond standard laboratory reagents, virologists working with emerging viruses employ specialized techniques:
Virus Isolation
This critical procedure involves growing viruses from patient samples in cell cultures, allowing researchers to study the live virus's properties and behavior. This work often requires BSL-3 or BSL-4 containment facilities when dealing with dangerous pathogens.
Next-Generation Sequencing
Modern sequencing technologies allow virologists to rapidly determine the complete genetic code of viruses, tracking mutations and understanding how viruses evolve over time. This technology has been crucial for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Pseudovirus Systems
To safely study dangerous viruses, researchers create pseudoviruses that contain the surface proteins of pathogens but cannot replicate fully. These systems enable the study of viral entry mechanisms and antibody responses without requiring high-level containment.
Serological Assays
These tests detect antibodies in blood serum, revealing past infections and immune responses. They help understand how viruses spread through populations and how immunity develops after infection or vaccination.
Each of these tools forms part of an interconnected toolkit that enables virologists to detect, understand, and combat viral threats. The expertise required to select, optimize, and interpret these methods represents years of specialized training—expertise that women virologists in LMICs have developed despite facing additional barriers.
Conclusion: The Future of Virology is Diverse and Inclusive
The scientific contributions of women virologists from low- and middle-income countries represent more than just individual achievements—they embody a transformative shift in how we approach global health challenges. From tracking bat-borne coronaviruses to understanding HIV transmission patterns and combating hepatitis co-infections, these scientists are expanding the frontiers of our knowledge while addressing pressing health concerns in their regions.
The work of Prof. Markotter, Prof. Odaibo, Prof. Torimiro and countless others demonstrates that diversity strengthens science. When researchers from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives tackle viral threats, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of these pathogens and how to combat them.
As the UNESCO report reveals, women comprise less than 30% of the world's researchers, with the lowest proportions in South and West Asia (19%) and East Asia and the Pacific (24%) 7 . Closing this gap is not just a matter of equity—it's a scientific imperative.
Mentorship Programs
Creating supportive networks to guide the next generation of women scientists.
Equitable Funding
Ensuring women researchers have access to the resources they need to succeed.
Family-Friendly Policies
Developing workplace policies that support work-life balance for scientists.
Supporting women in virology requires concerted effort: creating mentorship programs, ensuring equitable funding, developing family-friendly policies, and recognizing the contributions of women scientists at all stages of their careers. As the SWIS programme and other initiatives show, when we remove barriers and provide support, the results are transformative 7 .
"Harnessing the under-utilized potential of girls and women will help bolster the scientific work force and benefit the overall scientific field with fresh insight and an injection of talent and ingenuity" 1 .
The women virologists of LMICs are not just breaking barriers—they're building bridges to a healthier, more equitable future for us all.