Female scientists putting communities first in Tanzania’s malaria research

As the world marks International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February 2026, two female Tanzanian scientists at Transmission Zero are showing that the future of science is not just about innovation - it is about listening.

Felista S. Tarimo from the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and Justina Victus Mosha from the National Institute for Medical Research, Tanzania (NIMR) are stakeholder engagement officers working with Transmission Zero, an international research programme exploring new genetic and biological tools to help stop malaria transmission. Their role sits at the intersection of science and society - ensuring communities are active partners in research.

“Listening first means starting with their questions, not our agenda,” says Felista. “Before we explain any science, we ask community members what they know about malaria, what challenges they face, and what concerns they have. Communities help shape how and when research happens.”

Both scientists bring deep local expertise to their work. Felista is a public health researcher and social scientist with experience in malaria vector control, qualitative research, and community-centred health innovation. She works closely with rural communities to understand perceptions of new malaria tools and ensures that local voices inform scientific decision-making.

Justina, a medical sociologist at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Mwanza Centre, has more than a decade of experience in community-based health research, and leads the stakeholder engagement for Transmission Zero in Tanzania. Her work focuses on ethical dialogue, stakeholder mobilisation, and building trust around emerging health technologies.

At a time when new malaria tools require strong trust, transparency, and community partnership, both Felista and Justina see their work as part of a wider responsibility to inspire the next generation, encouraging young girls to see science as a practical tool to improve lives in their own communities. “Girls should know that science needs their voices - especially in Africa. Our perspectives shape better questions, better research, and better outcomes for our communities,” says Justina.

Transmission Zero recently reached a major milestone with the publication of new research in Nature. For the first time, a genetically modified mosquito strain tailored to local conditions, created in Tanzania, has been shown to block transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for most malaria deaths in Africa. 

As part of this milestone, Felista and Justina’s model encourages communities to ask questions freely, challenge assumptions, address misconceptions, and provide feedback that directly influences research activities. They host regular meetings in Swahili in village meeting spaces which are often facilitated through local leaders. 

“Health solutions for Africa need to be designed by Africans,” Felista adds. “Now, Tanzanian scientists, including women, are leading research that reflects our realities, our values, and our hopes for a future without malaria, and a future where more girls see themselves as scientists.”

About Transmission Zero

Transmission Zero is an international research programme working to develop innovative genetic tools to help eliminate malaria in Africa. By genetically modifying mosquitoes to block the malaria parasite from being passed to humans, the programme aims to stop malaria transmission at its source. Led by Imperial College London in partnership with the Ifakara Health Institute, the National Institute for Medical Research (Tanzania), and Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Transmission Zero is committed to advancing African-led science that is safe, equitable, and designed in close collaboration with communities. The programme is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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