African Institute for Mathematical Science to fund Masters and PhD programmes in Malaria modelling

RWANDA —The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences-Next Einstein Initiative (AIMS NEI) and the Malaria Modelling for Sustainable Public Health Policies in Africa (MaMod Africa) consortium have received funds from the Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation to assist master’s and PhD programmes in malaria modelling.

Malaria modelling refers to the process of using mathematical models to study the transmission dynamics and control of malaria and MaMod Africa aims to develop the next scientist in the field.

AIMS will lead the ambitious programme rollout and its partnering to formulate the MaMod Africa consortium.

The consortium will draw experts from universities, research institutions, operational partners and a spectrum of National Malaria Control Programs from Benin, Rwanda, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Switzerland, Australia, Kenya, and Ghana.

The primary focus of the program is to bridge the gap between academic modelling and public health by building evidence-based solutions and vital exchanges about the disease among consortium members.

The first engagement by the consortium at the AIMS’-NEI site in Kigali Rwanda is ongoing from May the 1^st to May the 5^th.

The success is pegged on reducing the significant death toll of malaria as per 2021 estimates stood at 619,000 according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Nearly half the global population of is susceptible to the disease and 250 million reported having been infected by the disease in 2021.

In his opening remarks, Prof Wilfred Ndifon, AIMS Chief Scientific Officer and Principal Investigator for MaModAfrica said, “We want to understand the current state of affairs, the impact of malaria on populations, and its future implications in light of changes in climate, environment, and demographics.”

The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), which was present at the meeting reported a significant decline in malaria incidence in the country from 409 cases per 1000 persons in 2017 to 76 cases per 1000 persons in 2022.

The lead epidemiologist researcher at the (RBC), Dr Eric Remera noted that the decline was attributed to the use mathematical modelling approach to predict malaria occurrence and provide interventions at a grassroots level.

Building scholars who are capable to provide well-developed malaria models will assist national malaria control programmes in the countries that are in the consortium to approach the disease in a better way.

Africa’s fight against malaria also receives support from other development partners. Chief among them includes the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).

The PMI has been a dependable partner with Mali to fight malaria since 2008, contributing US$364 million to date and US$25 million in FY 2022.

The PMI’s Annual Report, released recently showcases how PMI is working with partner countries, such as Mali to help make sure all those at risk from malaria are protected and to support local communities to shape and lead activities to end malaria faster.

Through PMI funding and programs, over 1.8 million life-saving insecticide-treated bed nets, 4.5 million malaria tests kits, more than four million fast-acting medicines, and over nine million preventive treatments for children were delivered to clinics and communities in Mali over the past year.

Furthermore, last year in June, Melinda French Gates Foundation injected US$140 million commitment over four years in support of new initiatives and research directed by African institutions and leaders that accelerate progress toward ending malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

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