International Women's Day 2026 - The women rewriting the future of malaria control
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As the world marks International Women's Day on 8 March 2026, Transmission Zero researchers, Karen Nelwin Zablon and Beatrice Philip Magani, discuss the importance of young women in science.
In the fight against malaria, lasting solutions are not built through a single breakthrough. They are built step by step, from early morning mosquito collections in rural districts, to high-precision genomic and immunological research.
Two Tanzanian scientists working on Transmission Zero’s research programme are helping to do exactly that.
Karen Nelwin Zablon, an entomologist and Research Scientist at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Mwanza, and Beatrice Philip Magani, a molecular biologist at the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) in Bagamoyo, represent two critical pillars of next-generation malaria research: field science and laboratory innovation.
Karen leads field entomology and ecological data collection in northwestern Tanzania, including Ukerewe District. Her work focuses on mosquito population structure, dispersal, and survival. By combining mark-release-recapture studies with high-resolution genomic analysis as part of her PhD research, she generates evidence that informs biosafety evaluation and responsible trial site selection.
“Understanding how mosquito populations move and connect across regions is essential,” Karen explains. “Without that evidence, malaria control strategies risk being inefficient or unsustainable.”
Seeing prevention efforts translate into real-world impact keeps her motivated. “When you hear families speak about improved health outcomes, it reminds you why the long hours in the field matter.”
Field-based science, however, comes with challenges. “Leadership is often still associated with men,” she says. “There are times when community members direct questions to male colleagues, even when you are leading the work. Navigating that requires confidence, cultural awareness, and strong people skills.” Fieldwork is physically demanding, she adds, but resilience and preparation are part of leading by example. “I would encourage more young women to pursue science outside the laboratory. It is demanding but deeply fulfilling.”
In Bagamoyo, Beatrice’s work operates at the molecular level. With expertise in immunology and molecular biology, she investigates how mosquito immunity and microbiome composition influence their ability to transmit malaria parasites. Her research contributes to the development of mosquitoes designed to reduce transmission, with strong emphasis on safety and rigorous risk assessment.
“Safety is key,” Beatrice says. “Any future application must be grounded in solid scientific evidence.”
For her, the work is also personal. Growing up in a malaria-endemic region, she witnessed its impact firsthand. “Malaria is not just statistics in a journal article. It affects families and communities we know. That reality shapes how seriously we take this responsibility.”
She hopes more young women see advanced science as accessible. “Science is a tool to solve the challenges around us. We need more young women in molecular biology and immunology so that African research continues to grow stronger.”
Their combined efforts recently contributed to research published in Nature, demonstrating that globally recognised science is being conducted and led from Tanzania in real malaria transmission settings.
As Tanzania advances its malaria elimination efforts, their work reflects a broader shift: the expertise shaping next-generation malaria control is increasingly rooted in African institutions and driven by Tanzanian scientists - from the field to the laboratory.
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.