ALMA 2023 Malaria Innovation Essay Competition for African Youths ($5,000 Prize)

Published: 25 May 2023 1,338 views

 To foster awareness and promote a better understanding of malaria innovations, the Ifakara Health Institute has joined hands with the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) Youth Advisory Council to introduce the Malaria Innovation Essay Competition. The aim of this competition is to inspire young people to think outside the box and come up with fresh, innovative ideas to overcome malaria which is one of Africa’s most pressing public health issues. By providing a platform for young people to showcase their innovative ideas, the competition seeks to inspire fresh thinking and catalyze the development of practical and effective solutions to combat malaria.

Participants are invited to submit an essay of no more than 2,000 words in any of the following 5 tracks/ thematic areas:

1. New Technologies and Approaches: This track could focus on innovative approaches or technologies for preventing, diagnosing, or treating malaria. Submissions could include ideas for new drugs, technologies, vaccines, insecticides, or other interventions that could help to reduce the impact of malaria in Africa.
2. Community-Based Solutions: This track could focus on community-led initiatives or programs that aim to prevent or treat malaria. Submissions could include ideas for outreach and education programs, community-based treatment or prevention programs, or other community-driven initiatives.
3. Social Innovation: This track could focus on innovative approaches to mobilizing resources or raising awareness about malaria. Submissions could include ideas for social media campaigns, crowdfunding initiatives, or other creative approaches to engaging the public and driving action on malaria.
4. Cross-Disciplinary Solutions: This track could focus on innovative approaches that bring together experts from different fields to address malaria. Submissions could include ideas for interdisciplinary research collaborations, partnerships between health professionals and community organizations, or other cross-disciplinary initiatives.
5. Youth-led Solutions: This track could focus specifically on solutions that are led by young people in Africa. Submissions could include ideas for youth-led advocacy campaigns, innovative approaches to engaging young people in malaria prevention and treatment efforts, or other initiatives that empower young people to take action on malaria.

ALMA Malaria Innovation Essay Competition

Benefits of ALMA Malaria Innovation Essay Competition

• The top three winners will receive cash prizes of $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 respectively.
• All finalists will receive certificates of participation and their essays will be published.

Requirements for ALMA Malaria Innovation Essay Competition

• All young African champions between the ages of 18 and 35 who are dedicated to the prevention and eradication of malaria are eligible to compete.
• Participants might be asked to provide documentation of their age and African citizenship.
• The challenge is available to all young people, regardless of their background, although membership in a national malaria youth army is a distinct advantage. Youth from various backgrounds are therefore encouraged to compete, and participation is open to anyone, regardless of academic or health-related background.

Selection Process

JUDGING CRITERIA

The essays will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Quality of the essay, including clarity of thought and originality of ideas
• Relevance of the essay to the competition theme and objectives
• Potential impact of the proposed solution on malaria control and elimination in Africa
• Feasibility of the proposed solution, including its potential to be implemented in a real-world setting.
• Diversity of perspectives and representation of different African countries and regions

Timeline

• 25th April 2023(World Malaria Day): Announcement on the call for essays.
• 25th May 2023: Submission deadline
• 26th May to 16th June 2023: Evaluation and selection process.
• 25th June 2023: Top 5 finalists notified.
• 12th July 2023: Pitch competition held.
• August 12th 2023: Top 3 winners announced on International Youth Day.

Application Deadline

How to Apply