Fellows to report on the future of the malaria fight and what it will take to end the disease for good
SEATTLE, WA – September 26, 2016 – Malaria No More and the Washington Global Health Alliance today announced the winners of a new press fellowship, “Innovating to End Malaria.” The three-day fellowship in Seattle, Washington will give journalists the opportunity to learn about the progress and challenges in the malaria fight from some of the world’s foremost experts.
Dozens of journalists from media outlets around the world applied for the three-day fellowship, which will take place in October. The nine journalists selected for the trip will visit working labs and insectaries, and meet with experts to learn about innovative tools and approaches that could revolutionize how we detect, treat and prevent malaria—accelerating the path to eradication.
“Seattle is a global hub for malaria research and innovation,” said Susan Byrnes, managing director of strategic communications for Malaria No More. “We’re thrilled that these outstanding journalists will have the opportunity to learn about the exciting work underway to help end this devastating disease once and for all.”
The program comes at a critical juncture in the global fight against malaria. The world has made significant progress since 2000, cutting the rate of malaria deaths by 71 percent among African children under 5. Strong leadership and global partnerships have saved 6.2 million lives since 2000. But the job is not finished. A child still dies from malaria every two minutes, and resistance to current treatments and insecticides is increasing. Innovation is more critical than ever.
The organizations participating in the program include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Center for Infectious Disease Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the Global Good Fund and Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, PATH, and the University of Washington.
“One hundred and sixty-eight global health organizations work in Washington state—many of whom focus on finding a viable malaria vaccine, better drugs and culturally appropriate solutions,” said Lisa Cohen, executive director of the Washington Global Health Alliance. “The Innovating to End Malaria Fellows will hear from scientists, program directors and even study participants who’ve volunteered to get malaria.”
The nine journalists participating in the program are:
• Bukola Adebayo, Senior Health Reporter – PUNCH Nigeria Ltd
• Catherine Cheney, West Coast Correspondent – Devex
• Sushmi Dey, Assistant Editor – The Times of India
• Sandi Doughton, Science Reporter – The Seattle Times
• Amy Driscoll, Health & Foreign Desk Editor – The Miami Herald
• Kieran Guilbert, West Africa Correspondent – The Thomson Reuters Foundation
• Kevin Loria, Health & Science Correspondent – Business Insider
• Elizabeth Merab, Reporter – Daily Nation
• Todd Pitock, Freelance Journalist
Malaria No More
Malaria No More envisions a world where no child dies of a mosquito bite. We mobilize the political will and global resources required to achieve malaria eradication within our generation. We use a highly targeted, proven advocacy model to elevate malaria on the global agenda and translate political support into funding.
Washington Global Health Alliance
The Washington Global Health Alliance strategically connects, expands and strengthens the global health community to advance health equity. Its members represent Washington State’s global health research and delivery organizations and include a broad range of corporate, civic, and faith-based partners and global health nonprofits.
