“MANYANGA” HOST II MALARIA CONFERENCE & FAIR WITH A FOCUS ON YOUTH AND SCIENCE

Nercio Machele
5 days ago
3 min read

The event was organised in collaboration with National Malaria Control Programme (PNCM) and partners.

On 28 April, Francisco Manyanga Secondary School hosted the 2nd Edition of the Malaria Conference & Fair (MCF), an event that brought together students, researchers, health professionals, policy makers and cooperation partners, with the aim of strengthening awareness, promoting the sharing of scientific evidence, and mobilising society in the fight against malaria.

The initiative was promoted by the Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), in coordination with the Ministry of Health, through the National Malaria Control Programme (PNCM), as part of the celebrations of World Malaria Day, observed annually on 25 April on the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO). The day seeks to draw attention to the impact of the disease on families and communities, as well as to encourage concrete actions for its control and elimination.

In the opening session, the Deputy Director of the school highlighted the importance of such initiatives in the educational context, stressing that the school is not only a place for academic learning, but also a space for shaping citizens who are aware of and committed to the development of their communities. He further emphasised that students play a key role as agents in disseminating good malaria prevention practices.

With a special focus on secondary school students, the conference aimed not only to raise awareness about the adoption of preventive measures, but also to spark interest in scientific research and in careers in health and science. Through interactive sessions, exhibitions and practical demonstrations, participants had the opportunity to better understand malaria research methodologies and the contribution of science to the development of innovative solutions for its control.

In his intervention, the Director-General of CISM, Francisco Saúte, highlighted that malaria continues to represent one of the greatest public health challenges in Mozambique and on the African continent. Citing the WHO World Malaria Report 2025, he noted that in 2024 approximately 282 million cases and around 610,000 deaths were recorded worldwide, with Africa accounting for about 94% of cases and 95% of deaths. Children under five remain among the most affected groups, reinforcing the urgency of intensifying prevention and control efforts.

Each of us can make a difference

rancisco Saúte further emphasised that the fight against malaria must be seen as a collective responsibility. “Each of us can make a difference, from the correct use of mosquito nets to seeking timely health care,” he said, calling for the active involvement of young people in spreading accurate information within their communities.

The conference also highlighted the role of scientific research, with particular emphasis on CISM’s contribution to the development of innovative malaria control solutions. Among the advances presented was the centre’s involvement in research that contributed to the development of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, the world’s first vaccine against a parasite, currently recommended by WHO as a malaria control tool in high transmission settings. In addition to vaccination, other key interventions were discussed, such as the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, and mass drug administration campaigns.

The programme also included an inspiring Talk Session on the theme “Women in Science: from school to research”, featuring Delfina Domingo, Laboratory Technician in the CISM GenMoz project, and Sintia Tamele, from the Txau-Txau initiative. During the session, the speakers shared their academic and professional journeys, challenges faced and achievements attained, encouraging girls to believe in their potential and to consider careers in science, technology and health.

Talk session with (from left to right): Justina Bramugy (moderator), Delfina Domingo and Sintia Tamele.

The fair was also one of the most dynamic moments of the event, providing students with practical and interactive experiences through the presentation of projects, technologies and methodologies used in malaria research. This closer connection between science and youth proved essential to stimulating curiosity and encouraging vocations in health and scientific research fields.

The 2nd Edition of the Malaria Conference & Fair continues an initiative launched in 2023, whose first edition, held at Josina Machel Secondary School, brought together more than 320 students at the conference and around 700 visitors at the fair. The success achieved consolidated the event as an important platform for awareness, education and knowledge sharing, reinforcing the role of schools and young people in the response to malaria.

In a context where malaria continues to represent a heavy burden on the health system and on the country’s socio-economic development, initiatives such as this demonstrate that the combination of education, science and community engagement is a fundamental element in accelerating the path towards the elimination of the disease.