I am delighted to participate at this conference because it gives me the opportunity of acknowledging the contributions of individuals, institutions and agencies who have dedicated their skills and resources to the fight against death, disease, and disability in developing countries. I am particularly pleased to join in congratulating Dr. Ken Warren, not only for his direct contributions as a research scientist on tropical diseases, but more importantly for his inspiration and support, which has encouraged and enabled many others to work on these problems.I have been asked specifically to provide an African perspective and I would like to examine the subject of health research in Africa by reviewing the subject in three historical periods: (a) the colonial era, (b) the post‐independence period, and (c) the future.