Fighting Malaria with Precision Research 

My name is Dr. Henrietta Mensah-Brown, and I am proud to be part of a new wave of African scientists shaping global health research. My journey from a curious undergraduate at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to a postdoctoral researcher supported by the African Postdoctoral Training Initiative (APTI) exemplifies how strategic investments in African science can transform lives, research ecosystems, and global health solutions.
A Journey Fuelled by Discovery
Fifteen years ago, I stood at the crossroads of my career, unsure of my future as a scientist. My internship at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research changed everything. Working on rotaviruses in the Department of Electron Microscopy, I discovered the profound potential of science to address some of Africa's most pressing health challenges.
This pivotal experience led me to pursue a master’s and PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Ghana, where I specialised in the molecular biology and immunology of malaria. I began focusing on the pathogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in children, particularly understanding how the parasite invades red blood cells and the immune responses that inhibit this process.
The Transformative Role of APTI
A defining moment in my career was becoming an APTI fellow in 2019. This programme, implemented by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), provided unparalleled support that reshaped my research trajectory.
Through APTI, I spent two years at the NIH, working on Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP-1), a key factor in severe malaria pathogenesis. This experience immersed me in advanced molecular techniques, cutting-edge technologies, and global research collaborations. The NIH environment not only strengthened my scientific expertise but also equipped me with leadership skills crucial for leading high-impact research teams.
Upon returning to Ghana, APTI continued to support me by funding my transition to an independent researcher and ensuring I had the resources needed to establish impactful projects. This seamless integration of global exposure and local application has been the cornerstone of my success.

Fighting Malaria with Precision Research 

Malaria remains a significant health challenge in Africa, with over 200 million cases annually and 600,000 deaths, primarily among children and pregnant women. My work focuses on the blood stage of the malaria parasite’s life cycle, where the disease manifests clinically.
Through APTI support, my team and I are investigating:

• Parasite Invasion Mechanisms: Understanding how Plasmodium falciparum invades red blood cells through protein interactions.
• Immune Targets for Vaccine Development: Identifying immune responses to invasion-related proteins to inform the development of vaccines and therapeutics.

This research is critical in developing interventions that can reduce the burden of severe malaria and ultimately save lives.
Building a Legacy of African Science
Returning to Ghana after my NIH fellowship, I felt a renewed sense of purpose to give back to my community and mentor the next generation of African scientists. With APTI’s continued support, I have established a research team at the University of Ghana comprising talented young scientists—many of them women.
Mentoring these researchers has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. I am committed to creating an environment where they can thrive, overcome systemic barriers, and contribute to global scientific advancements. Representation matters, and I strive to be a visible example of what is possible for women in STEM across Africa.
The Role of APTI in Transforming African Science
APTI’s impact extends far beyond individual researchers. By providing African scientists with advanced training, world-class resources, and financial support, the initiative is:

• Building Institutional Capacity: APTI fellows return to their home institutions with skills and tools that strengthen local research ecosystems.
• Fostering Regional Collaboration: APTI promotes networks of African researchers working on shared challenges in health and development.
• Nurturing Leadership: Fellows are equipped to lead research teams, advocate for science investment, and influence policy.

By combining global exposure with local application, APTI ensures that African science is both competitive and deeply relevant to the continent’s needs.
Bridging Science and Policy
One of the lessons I’ve learned through APTI is the importance of translating research findings into actionable policies. Africa’s health challenges demand evidence-based interventions, and it is our responsibility as scientists to bridge the gap between the lab and the policymaker.
This requires sustained investment in basic and translational research, as well as strong collaborations between scientists, governments, and funding agencies. APTI is leading the way by empowering researchers to engage with policymakers and advocate for science-driven solutions.

Looking Ahead
The support of APTI, the African Academy of Sciences, and its partners has enabled me to contribute meaningfully to malaria research and build capacity for future generations of African scientists. Over the next decade, I hope to develop therapeutics that mitigate severe malaria and to see African scientists taking a leading role in global health innovation.
APTI has shown that with the right support, African scientists can not only compete on the global stage but also drive solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges. Together, we can transform science into a force for good, ensuring a healthier, more prosperous future for all.

About APTI
The African Postdoctoral Training Initiative (APTI), launched in 2019, is a fellowship program designed to develop African scientists into global leaders. Fellows spend two years at the NIH in the United States, followed by two years at their home institutions in Africa, supported by 50% salary contributions. The program focuses on building research capacity in areas critical to Africa’s development, such as infectious diseases, genomics, maternal and child health, and epidemic preparedness.
By bridging local and global research ecosystems, APTI is strengthening Africa’s scientific base and equipping its researchers to address the continent’s most pressing challenges.