A groundbreaking initiative to combat malaria, exacerbated by climate change, has been launched in Ebolowa, Southern Cameroon.

Led by Dr. Ateba Joel Marcelin, a researcher at the University of Dschang, the project aims to develop a smart early warning system for seasonal malaria chemoprevention. This innovative approach, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and supported by Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health, seeks to prevent the devastating impact of malaria, which is projected to cause an additional 550,000 deaths in Africa by 2050 due to climate change.

A recent workshop in Ebolowa brought together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and communication experts to evaluate the results of the 2024 seasonal malaria chemoprevention campaign and develop a new strategy for 2025.

Professor Innocent Ali, a key figure in the project, emphasized the significance of this initiative. “This smart early warning system is a game-changer,” he said. “It will enable us to predict critical periods, adapt our interventions, and save countless lives.”

The University of Dschang and its partners are at the forefront of this innovative approach to combating the health impacts of climate change. This project marks a significant step towards building a more resilient Africa.