Reversing the brain drain with simple actions

Hailemeskel Bisrat

Howard University

Scientists who have emigrated from developing countries to work abroad can help address the brain drain with even short visits to their countries of origin.

In this article in the Addis Tribune, Hailemeskel Bisrat, a professor at the School of Pharmacy at Howard University, Washington DC, United States, shares his personal experience of visits to his native Ethiopia.

Since 2002, Hailemeskel has returned regularly to Addis Ababa University (AAU), where he was educated. In his most recent visit — a two-week trip — he taught an intensive graduate course and acted as external examiner for two masters theses. He also gave a seminar, took part in a workshop, evaluated a training conference and helped review the curriculum for a doctor of pharmacy degree, among other activities.

He stresses that even small actions, when added together, can make major impacts on the lives of individuals.