7 MMV funded scholars will start their training at the Malaria Research and Training Center, Mali (MRTC-Parasito)

The programme’s aim is to train the next generation of African researchers.

A scholarship fund was created following the death of Prof. Ogobara K. Doumbo in 2018, a renowned Malian scientist and MMV advisor who dedicated his career to the fight against malaria and for research capacity development. The fund was created by MMV in collaboration with the Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC)-University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Mali.

The programme aims to help train the next generation of African researchers to continue innovating in the fight against malaria.As of September 2023, the first beneficiaries of the Ogobara K. Doumbo scholarship fund will start a three-month internship at the MRTC, where he was co-founder and Director of the Parasitology and Epidemiology section.

The following scholars will gain extensive and practical knowledge in a range of topics, including clinical trials, biostatistics, entomology, molecular biology and genetics:

• Robertine Lontuo Fogang: PhD in Parasitology and Microbiology, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

• Mohamed Ali Lemrabott Khaless: PhD in Entomology, Ibn Tofail University, Morocco and Nouakchott University, Mauritania.

• Atimi Atinga: Master of Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Modibbo Adama University, Nigeria.

• Usman Mohammed Aliyu: PhD in Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria.

• Blessing A Oziama: Bachelor of Pharmacy, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. 

• Daouda Sanogo: Master of Epidemiology, DERSP, Mali.

• Abderrahmane Zahri: PhD in Veterinary Entomology, Agronomic and Veterinary Institute Hassan II, Morocco. (Due to the recent earthquake in Morocco, Abderrahmane has not been able to start to internship yet.)

This is another example of an MMV-supported project co-developed in close collaboration with African partners, with the goal of strengthening African capabilities in the field of malarial research. MMV has also worked with African partners on developing and expanding larger-scale research platforms, including WANECAM, CANTAM and PAMAfrica.

We congratulate the students and wish them all the best in this exciting opportunity in their careers.