Press Release
Today, the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is delighted to announce a $4.48 million multi-year grant from the Gates Foundation to bolster malaria research capacity across Africa. This grant, spanning from 2025 to 2028, will support AREF’s work to empower African researchers to take the lead in the fight against malaria.
Malaria remains a critical health challenge in Africa, with the continent accounting for an estimated 94% of cases and 95% of malaria-related deaths in 2023. With approximately two thirds of malaria cases and deaths concentrated in 11 African countries, this programme represents a vital step towards building the research leadership that is pivotal for African researchers to define and drive the malaria research priorities and agenda; key ingredients to combat and eradicate the old enemy. By combining the development of individual malaria researchers, supporting institutional capacity to promote malaria research, and engaging an inspired community of malaria researchers across Africa; this programme presents a unique platform for African researchers to develop, implement, and lead innovative malaria research and maximize the uptake of research findings within their communities.
AREF will employ a three-pronged approach to ensure that African researchers sustainably lead malaria research within their national context, and that they contribute at the highest level to leading international malaria research initiatives:
1) Individual: We will provide research leadership and post-doctoral capacity training to nurture the talent of emerging malaria researchers, including women researchers, across the African continent.
2) Institutional: We will embed researcher development programmes within African research institutions, support malaria Centres of Research Excellence, and support the pipeline of future malaria research leaders in Africa.
3) Intracontinental: We will facilitate network creation across Africa, bring together talented early- to mid-career malaria researchers, and provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration across geographic borders.
AREF has a proven track record of empowering African researchers in the fight against malaria. Through targeted post-doctoral capacity training programmes, mentorship initiatives, fellowships, and strategic partnerships. In 10 years, AREF has reached 939 health researchers across 42 countries in Africa. This grant will support AREF in amplifying the impact of these efforts, allowing it to expand its reach and accelerate progress towards malaria eradication.
“We envision a future where Africa is free from the burden of malaria,” said Professor Sir Tumani Corrah, Founder and Co- President of AREF, “and our work brings us one step closer to making that vision a reality.”
“It will enable researchers to pursue innovative solutions, strengthen collaboration, and ensure lasting impact in malaria research.” – Professor Akhere Omonkhua – CEO of AREF.
We envision a future where Africa is free from the burden of malaria, and our
work brings us one step closer to making that vision a reality.
With the dedication of African researchers, a malaria-free Africa is within our reach.
ENDS
Notes for Editors
For media inquiries, contact:
Awa L. Jagne, aref@aref-africa.org.uk
Communication Manager
Africa Research Excellence Fund