The Field Malaria Course commenced on September 11, embarking on a comprehensive four-week training program. The objective is to empower participants from African malaria-affected countries with the essential knowledge and skills for effective malaria control and elimination.

The Course is being held at the Ifakara Health Institute Training Center located at Kingani area on the outskirts of Bagamoyo Town in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. This year’s Course brings together the 8^th group (cohort 8) since the inception of the initiative.

Today, September 13, 2023, Dr. Ally Olotu, Ifakara’s Acting Director of Science and Chief Executive Director, delivered opening remarks and provided a keynote address on the state of Malaria in Tanzania to the 16 participants attending the Course.

Partnership for malaria control, elimination

This collaborative initiative is organized by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH); the Ifakara Health Institute (Ifakara), and the Zanzibar Malaria Elimination Programme (ZAMEP). Specifically, the Course focuses on applicants from African malaria-affected countries who work as Health Personnel, Scientists, Researchers, Public Health Specialists, and Malaria Control Administrators.

Intensive training for malaria control

The Course is structured into weekly modules, integrating topic-related questions, collaborative research, mentorship, assignments, presentations, lectures, and educational visits for a holistic learning experience. 

The full-time program is designed to enhance the capabilities of individuals involved in patient care, control programs, or research activities related to malaria, with the ultimate goal of managing malaria-related issues more effectively and developing essential training materials for their home institutions. 

>> Learn more about this course here.

About Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female anopheles mosquitoes. 

Once inside the body, the parasites multiply in the liver and then infect red blood cells, leading to a range of symptoms, including fever, chills, fatigue, and in severe cases, organ failure and death. 

Malaria is a major global health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America, where it remains a leading cause of illness and death. 

>> Learn more on malaria here.