In a monumental stride forward, a network of African scientists has secured a staggering $7.2 million grant from a joint investment by the medical research charity LifeArc and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This funding injection, earmarked for the Grand Challenges Africa Drug Discovery Accelerator (GC ADDA) program, signifies a pivotal moment in the quest for groundbreaking drugs to combat malaria and tuberculosis across the continent.

A significant portion of the grant, more than half, will be directed towards identifying novel treatments for malaria and tuberculosis. Esteemed institutions like Stellenbosch University, the University of Ghana, and the University of Pretoria are slated to take on pivotal roles in these research endeavors, as outlined in a joint statement released on Wednesday.

The impact of these funds is poised to be substantial as Africa grapples with diseases that not only truncate lives but also impede productivity and economic growth. Malaria, for instance, claims the lives of approximately 600,000 individuals annually on the continent, with children under the age of five bearing the brunt of its devastating effects. Furthermore, the parasites responsible for malaria exhibit a concerning penchant for mutations, leading to drug resistance.

Distinguished researchers such as Dr. Richard Amewu from the University of Ghana and Prof. Lyn-Marié Birkholtz from the University of Pretoria are spearheading efforts in malaria drug discovery. Prof. Birkholtz underscores the dire need for antimalarial drugs in Africa, particularly as malaria cases continue to surge. The infusion of funding will propel existing discoveries forward, leveraging Africa's abundant capacity and expertise in drug discovery.

The consortium of scientists working on malaria comprises experts from various African universities collaborating closely with international partners like the University of Dundee's Drug Discovery Unit and the Medicines for Malaria Venture.

In the battle against tuberculosis, Prof. Erick Strauss from Stellenbosch University will helm efforts to unearth effective treatments, alongside other research teams in South Africa and Kenya. The objective is to explore fresh avenues for drug discovery against TB, complementing ongoing endeavors led by international consortia.

This grant is lauded as a game-changer for African scientists and drug development on the continent, fostering an unparalleled environment for collaboration and innovation. It marks a significant stride in nurturing a critical mass of scientists dedicated to combatting these diseases.

This investment aligns with broader initiatives aimed at bolstering healthcare systems in Africa and fostering self-reliance. It underscores the pivotal role of African scientists in driving innovation and expediting drug discovery to tackle pressing health challenges on the continent.

Article by Jed Mwangi

Photo/Google

https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10475