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Malaria is a life-threatening disease. In its 2022 Report on 2021, WHO reported 247 million cases of malaria worldwide and 619,000 annual deaths, mostly young children and pregnant mothers. WHO observed that this desperate situation is worsening and the need for an effective vaccine is critical.
Since 2016, Rotary District 9640 has been engaged in a partnership with the Institute for Glycomics (Griffith University)to support the development of Professor Michael Good's promising malaria vaccine PlasProtect. We have raised AUD $2.4 million to support this vaccine development and a field-deployable form of the vaccine has now been produced that is undergoing final preliminary studies during 2023. In 2024, it is expected to undertake clinical trials in an endemic country.
This research development has provided an opportunity for a two-year Postdoctoral Scholarto work with Professor Good and his team. This Global Grant is being sought to furnish AUD $140,000to support the scholar during the two year period. It is a marvelous opportunity for an overseas scientist with a PhD to work in one of the top malaria vaccine centres in the world.
I am delighted to announce that the Postdoctoral Fellow is Dr Guilherme de Souza from Brazil. Dr de Souza brings an impressive and extensive background in malaria research especially in the area of anitmalarials. He will commence his two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship at Griffith University (Gold Coast) in early October 2023.
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