The fight against malaria in Africa has gained vital momentum following a $4.48 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF). Announced on June 13, the funding will support AREF’s mission to cultivate the next generation of African malaria research leaders between 2025 and 2028.

The new grant represents a strategic investment in long-term leadership development, focusing not only on technical excellence but also on institutional capacity and cross-continental collaboration. AREF’s approach addresses a deep-rooted gap in global health: the underrepresentation of African scientists in setting research agendas, despite the continent carrying the heaviest malaria burden.

“This grant reinforces our commitment to ensure that African researchers are not just participants, but leaders in malaria innovation,” said Professor Akhere Omonkhua, CEO of AREF. “It will enable researchers to pursue locally relevant, transformative solutions that can accelerate the end of malaria.”

Despite decades of international interventions, malaria remains a major killer, claiming more than half a million lives annually, with Africa accounting for 94% of global cases and 95% of deaths in 2023, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Just 11 African countries carry nearly two-thirds of this burden, underlining the urgent need for locally driven solutions.

AREF plans to scale its impact through a three-pronged strategy:

1. Individual Development – Equipping early-career malaria researchers with postdoctoral training, leadership skills, and a strong emphasis on gender equity.

2. Institutional Strengthening – Embedding training within African universities and research centres, and supporting Centres of Research Excellence on malaria.

3. Continental Collaboration – Building a robust pan-African network of early- and mid-career researchers to exchange findings, co-develop projects, and grow together.

Over the past 10 years, AREF has supported 939 health researchers across 42 African countries, cementing its reputation as a leading capacity-building force in African science.

“We envision a future where Africa is free from the burden of malaria,” said Professor Sir Tumani Corrah, Founder and Co-President of AREF. “This investment brings us closer to that goal by supporting African talent and African solutions.”

With this new funding, AREF is poised to amplify its reach and elevate African voices in global malaria research conversations, turning promise into practice and potential into power.

 

Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku

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https://africaresearchexcellencefund.org.uk/news-and-stories/aref-receives-a-4-48-million-multi-year-grant-to-bolster-malaria-research-capacity-across-africa/#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20Africa%20Research%20Excellence,research%20findings%20within%20their%20communities.