Research impact and programme influence
Research impact
At Malaria Consortium, we are committed to research that delivers real-world impact. Our rigorous research explores the root causes of poor health outcomes and identifies emerging trends that shape the future of global health. Our approach is rooted in practical questions that emerge from the ground up, creating a continuous cycle of improvement. By partnering closely with ministries of health and national malaria programmes throughout the research process, we ensure our findings can also be translated into policy changes and improved practices that save lives.
In practice: Our research has been instrumental in demonstrating that seasonal malaria chemoprevention can be effective beyond the Sahel region. Through rigorous implementation studies in Mozambique and Uganda (2020−2021), that we believe supported the removal of geographical restrictions in the updated malaria guidelines WHO published in 2022. These new guidelines removed geographical restrictions on SMC implementation, recognising that countries in East and southern Africa with highly seasonal malaria transmission could also benefit from this life-saving intervention.
Primary evidence generation
Generating primary evidence is essential for shaping effective health policies and programmes. In addition to research that draws naturally from, and aims to review practices of, programme implementation, we also undertake exploratory research. We start with a hypothesis, scientific question or pre-conceived idea, and test that question or idea through a trial. We then use evidence from this process to feed into policies or programmes that the question addresses. These timely, context-specific insights can guide decision-making, improve outcomes and ensure interventions meet real community needs.
In practice: In partnership with the Behavioural Insights Team, we are developing innovative behavioural interventions to improve the consistent use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in Nigeria and Uganda. The research conducted through the Behavioural Insights to Accelerate Net Use (Be In A Net) project recognises that, while ITN distribution has scaled successfully, ensuring consistent and proper use remains a challenge. By applying behavioural science principles, we aim to develop low-cost, scalable solutions that can significantly increase the protective effect of ITNs against malaria.
In practice: Through the Resilience against Future Threats (RAFT) research consortium, led by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, we are generating new evidence to inform national and global vector control decision makers on the most appropriate strategies to tackle insecticide resistance and the impact of agriculture and urbanisation on mosquito-borne disease threats.
Find out how we use our research to identify risks, test interventions and inform policies.
Our research impact priorities
Our research not only focuses on translating evidence into better health outcomes — demonstrating how data-driven adaptations can improve even well-established interventions — but also prioritises research questions that emerge from implementation challenges. By connecting research teams with those that deliver and manage health services, we ensure our research directly addresses the practical challenges faced by health workers, programme managers and policymakers in the field.
Responding to implementers’ questions
Our approach includes:
- Annual stakeholder meetings that bring together implementers and researchers to identify pressing research needs
- Continuous dialogue with national malaria programmes to ensure our research agenda remains aligned with country priorities
- Rapid response research that addresses emerging challenges programmes scale up
Building scalable solutions
Our research is designed with scalability in mind from the outset. We consider factors such as cost-effectiveness, integration with existing health systems, availability of funding, and acceptability to communities and health workers. This approach ensures that successful pilots can transition smoothly to national programmes.
In practice: Our participation in the ACCESS-SMC project (2015−2017) demonstrated how SMC could be scaled across seven countries in the Sahel. Together with our partners, we reached 7.5 million. The project provided immediate health benefits and also established the evidence base and implementation frameworks that continue to guide SMC scale-up today. Key achievements included developing sustainable supply chains for quality-assured SMC medicines, creating training materials and implementation guides that are now used across multiple countries and strengthening government ownership and capacity for sustained implementation.