The MalariaGEN Vision

The aim of MalariaGEN is to bring together expert scientists to explore and identify critical mechanisms of protective immunity against malaria which could lead to successful malaria vaccine development.


Malaria is one of humankind's most persistent and deadly foes, causing debilitating illness in approximately half a billion people each year. The greatest burden of the disease falls on African children — over a million die each year of malaria.


Successful vaccine development relies on a greater understanding of the genetic and immunological responses that determine the severity of an individual patient's malaria, and ultimately whether they live or die.


The mapping of the entire human genome and recent advances in molecular technologies now mean that it is possible for scientists to look at genetic information from entire populations. This information can be used to identify critical mechanisms of protective immunity against malaria that will help explain why some people survive malaria, others die of the disease, and some are infected but do not become ill. Information on protective immunity will be critical to scientists' ability to develop a strategic and successful malaria vaccine.

The MalariaGEN Consortium

MalariaGEN is a global malaria research network with partners in 20 countries, including Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

Funding

MalariaGEN is funded through the Grand Challenges in Global Health initiative by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust with additional funding from the Medical Research Council.