Hands-on malaria research: DZIF partner site Tübingen at the Regional Market

At the Tübingen Regional Market, the tropical medicine team at the DZIF partner site Tübingen shared information about malaria research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Through engaging exhibits and direct interaction with visitors, the team brought global health research to life.

Malaria is one of the world’s most significant infectious diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa bears the greatest share of the disease burden by far. Despite major advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, combating the disease remains a global challenge. Factors contributing to this include resistance to medications and insecticides.

On April 25, the Tübingen Regional Market invited visitors to explore, enjoy, and connect. Amid regional delicacies, artisanal products, and a variety of hands-on activities, this year’s event also featured giant mosquitoes to delight visitors.

The team from the Institute of Tropical Medicine at the University Hospital of Tübingen provided information on-site about its work and offered insights into current malaria research. The scientists explained how malaria is studied and what approaches are being pursued for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this infectious disease.

The event was held in recognition of World Malaria Day, which is observed annually on April 25. This international awareness day draws attention to the global burden of malaria and the continued efforts needed to combat the disease.

Malaria research at the DZIF partner site Tübingen

At the DZIF partner site Tübingen, scientists are investigating new approaches to preventing, diagnosing, and treating malaria. Within the DZIF research area "Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseas" they work closely with the DZIF’s African partner institutions, particularly the Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL) in Gabon, Central Africa. Their research includes developing new drug and vaccine candidates against malaria and translating scientific findings into new approaches to combating the disease.

The presence at the Tübingen Regional Market provided an opportunity to present this research to a broad audience and to engage with visitors in conversations about malaria, global health, and current research approaches.