Tanzanian scientists take malaria education beyond the laboratory into schools

  

             Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Why do mosquitoes bite humans? Why do they begin their lives in water? And why can different mosquitoes transmit different diseases?

These were among the questions Tanzanian primary school students put directly to scientists during a hands-on malaria education initiative organised by the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and Transmission Zero ahead of World Mosquito Day (20 August 2026).

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to take malaria science beyond the laboratory and into the communities most affected by the disease, building knowledge about prevention while encouraging curiosity about science among young Tanzanians. 

This education remains critical in Tanzania, where malaria continues to claim thousands of lives each year, with young children among those most vulnerable to severe illness and death from the disease.

 

Twenty-four students from Majengo, Kizuiani, Mwanamakuka, and Nia Njema primary schools in Bagamoyo Town Council participated in the session, accompanied by their health teachers.

Students learnt about mosquito life cycles, the diseases they transmit, how malaria spreads and practical ways to prevent it, before seeing the science first-hand at IHI’s insectaries. 

There, they observed mosquitoes at different stages of development, learnt about experiments testing malaria-control interventions such as insecticide-treated bed nets, and were introduced to Transmission Zero’s research into innovative genetic tools that could one day complement existing malaria interventions. 

“Malaria education should not only tell young people what to do, it should help them understand why,” says Felista S. Tarimo, stakeholder engagement officer for Transmission Zero. “When a child asks why a mosquito bites, why we sleep under a bed net or why it is important to research new ways to prevent malaria, that curiosity is powerful. 

We want more young Tanzanians to understand the disease, protect themselves and see that science can be a pathway to help solve challenges affecting their communities.”

Teachers participating in the initiative encouraged IHI and Transmission Zero to hold similar engagements regularly. They highlighted the value of giving students first-hand exposure to scientists and research facilities, helping connect what they learn in the classroom with practical applications.

The engagement also reflects a wider approach to malaria research in Tanzania which ensures scientific progress is accompanied by public understanding, transparency, and mutual dialogue.

To mark World Mosquito Day on 20 August, the education drive will move from the laboratory into a community night run where scientists will focus on raising awareness about malaria transmission and prevention, and the importance of continued investment in research to tackle mosquito-borne diseases.

“New technologies are important, but malaria elimination will require more than the technology,” adds Tarimo. “Knowledge, prevention, community participation and scientific innovation all have a role to play. A future without malaria begins with people understanding the challenge and being part of the solution.”

In Tanzania, institutions such as IHI and the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) supported by international partnerships through Imperial College in London, are working together to drive innovation in gene drive technology to improve long-term outcomes for children and families.

 Transmission Zero works with IHI to investigate new genetic approaches to malaria control. Its research remains under strict laboratory containment and adheres to biosafety protocols in Tanzania.