MAGNETS · Malaria Genomic Epidemiology and Biostatistics Network for Enhancing Talent in Sub-Saharan Africa

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where biological threats (antimalarial, diagnostic and insecticide resistance, and invasive vector species), combined with increased human mobility, operational challenges, and limited specialized human capital, hinder elimination efforts. Genomics enhances traditional surveillance by providing insights into resistance, migration patterns, and intervention effectiveness. However, a critical skills gap persists to analyze and use these genomic data. The Malaria Genomic Epidemiology and Biostatistics Network for Enhancing Talent in SSA (MAGNETS) project will address this capacity gap by training a new generation of epidemiologists and biostatisticians capable of integrating genomic data into public health decision-making.MAGNETS will train 10 fellows through a malaria genomic epidemiology Master’s program. Fellows will receive formal training in epidemiology and biostatistics, and conduct research on emerging malaria threats, leveraging existing epidemiological and genomic data. The MAGNETS consortium—comprising leading SSA institutions CISM (Mozambique), IDRC (Uganda), WHC (South Africa) and AHRI (Ethiopia) in partnership with global leaders ISGlobal (Spain) and UCSF (USA)—will provide structured mentorship and access to high-quality datasets from diverse transmission settings to address distinct biological threats.Through collective learning, community engagement, and participation in international fora, fellows will gain expertise to lead malaria genomic epidemiology efforts and foster mutually beneficial South-South and South-North collaborations. By actively engaging with National Malaria Programs and embedding expertise within SSA institutions, MAGNETS will ensure training and research are aligned with SSA’s malaria control and elimination goals, facilitating the direct translation of findings into decision-making while strengthening genomic surveillance capacity in the region.