Advancing Biomedical Science in Africa with Frank Sandulu

Frank Sandulu, CLINICAL24 Ambassador, is a dedicated Biomedical Scientist and visionary leader working to elevate the profile and impact of biomedical sciences throughout Africa. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Biomed Connect, he has created a pioneering platform that encourages collaboration, mentorship, and innovation among biomedical students and professionals worldwide.

Sandulu has held key roles within the Copperbelt University Biomedical Sciences Students Association (COBUBA), serving as both Vice President and President. During his tenure, he promoted student empowerment, professional development, and outreach in scientific communities. Additionally, as a Content Creator for the Biomedical Society of Zambia (BMSZ), he actively contributes to shaping the narrative around laboratory medicine and scientific progress in Zambia.

This interview, conducted by SelectScience^®, offers insight into Sandulu’s advocacy work and his perspective on current challenges in the biomedical profession.

The inspiration and mission of Biomed Connect

SelectScience: What inspired you to found Biomed Connect, and how has your personal journey shaped the organization’s mission?

Frank Sandulu: I founded Biomed Connect because I grew up in rural Zambia without knowing biomedical scientists even existed. I only knew about doctors and nurses until I personally needed laboratory services. That experience opened my eyes to the critical but often invisible role of biomedical science in healthcare. Biomedical science and lab medicine is mostly undervalued and while many people get into university to study medicine and surgery, circumstances might mean that they find themselves studying Biomedical Science, a course they had never heard of before going to University. This leaves people without clarity on their career path and opportunities. The gap between theory and practice is another problem in most African countries (most universities have very limited opportunities for practicals), and that inspired me to found Biomed Connect. One of our long term goals is to create a research laboratory to bridge that gap.

My journey shaped Biomed Connect’s mission to raise awareness, inspire the next generation, and build a stronger biomedical workforce in Africa by connecting students, professionals, and communities by fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange and technological advancements to enhance patient care.

The evolving role of biomedical sciences in Africa

SelectScience: How do you see the role of biomedical sciences evolving in Zambia and across Africa?

Frank Sandulu: Biomedical sciences are shifting from being seen as a background support service to becoming central to healthcare systems, particularly in diagnostics, research, and public health. Across Africa, the field is evolving to strengthen laboratory capacity and take leadership in innovation, disease surveillance, and preparedness for emerging health threats.

Advocacy and awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

SelectScience: You are an AMR advocate, mentor and public speaker. What do you consider to be our greatest dangers around AMR?

Frank Sandulu: The greatest danger is silent complacency from patients, health professionals, and policymakers – many of whom often underestimate the threat. Misuse of antibiotics, lack of diagnostics, poor stewardship, and weak regulatory frameworks are accelerating resistance. If this is not addressed urgently, AMR risks reversing decades of medical progress.

Awareness is growing but still uneven mostly concentrated among healthcare workers and less so in communities. What’s needed is multi-level awareness empowering communities to understand responsible use of antibiotics, strengthening health worker training, and ensuring policy-level commitment. Partnerships between scientists, governments, and media are critical to make AMR a public priority.

Supporting Biomed Connect and further information

SelectScience: How can Biomedical Scientists in our community help to support your work, and where can they find more information about Biomed Connect?

Frank Sandulu: Biomedical scientists can support by joining hands in advocacy, mentorship, and research collaborations that strengthen the visibility and impact of our profession. They can also inspire young people by sharing their journeys and expertise. They can also support financially to increase the impact of our work. More information about Biomed Connect can be found through our official platforms and initiatives, where we actively share programs, partnerships, and opportunities to engage.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connectingmindsbiomedconnect/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CRX8925TW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biomed_connect?igsh=anNoYmlpbGtmc25n&utm_source=qr

WhatsApp: +260979152152

Email: infobiomedconnect@gmail.com

This interview is published as part of the global CLINICAL24 conversation, highlighting challenges facing clinical laboratories and exploring the technology solutions to overcome them.