The University of Pretoria (UP), through its Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC), has been honoured with the GIBS Responsible Organisations – Social Impact Award, for its transformative work in malaria control and elimination. The award recognises the ground-breaking Leadership and Management (L&M) Capacity Building Course, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to empower malaria control programme managers across the Elimination 8 (E8) countries of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region.

This innovative programme exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most pressing public health challenges. By equipping leaders with advanced skills in strategic management, evidence-based decision-making, and technical malaria control knowledge, the initiative is reshaping the fight against malaria and driving sustainable development in some of the world’s most affected regions.

The win was announced during the GIBS Annual Client Dinner Awards on 22 November 2024 at the Inanda Polo Club in Sandton. The Awards Dinner recognises clients who have partnered with GIBS and celebrates the outstanding initiatives undertaken by organisations to make a meaningful impact.

A strategic collaboration for impact

The course is a testament to the strength of partnerships. Developed in collaboration with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), the programme blends UP ISMC’s expertise in malaria control with GIBS’ leadership training capabilities. This partnership forms the foundation of the success of the L&M course, and has proven pivotal in delivering a comprehensive programme that integrates scientific knowledge, practical leadership skills, and innovative problem-solving strategies. It transcends the typical client-service provider dynamic, fostering a deep and meaningful partnership focused on driving lasting impact.

The course also benefits from contributions by esteemed partners, including but not limited to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Albert Luthuli Leadership Institute (ALLI), Albertina Sisulu Executive Leadership Programme in Health (ASELPH), National Department of Health (NDoH) and the Elimination 8 Secretariat. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures the programme addresses real-world challenges with precision and adaptability.

A trailblazing approach to leadership development

The L&M course is made up of three consecutive modules; addressing: The science of leadership and effective management; evidence-based decision-making; and the science of malaria and malaria elimination. Modules 1 and 2 are conducted online, using interactive engagement techniques, while Module 3 offers an immersive, in-person experience in Pretoria, South Africa. To ensure long-term impact, participants work on System Strengthening Projects, addressing critical gaps in their respective countries’ malaria control programmes.

A hallmark of the programme is its inclusivity. Delivered in English and Portuguese, the course accommodates participants from Angola and Mozambique in their native language, fostering deeper comprehension and application of the material.

Addressing health, social, and environmental challenges

Malaria remains a significant barrier to development in Africa, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. The L&M programme directly addresses Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 3: Good health and well-being – Accelerating malaria elimination to reduce disease burden.
• SDG 1: No poverty – Breaking cycles of illness and poverty through effective control.
• SDG 5: Gender equality – Ensuring at least 50% female participation in leadership training.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals – Fostering collaboration among governments, academia, and health organisations.

Beyond human health, the programme contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting safer, less invasive malaria control methods, reducing dependency on harmful insecticides, and integrating ecological considerations into national strategies.

The L&M course has a strong focus on strengthening cross-border collaboration, which is critical for the SADC region if it is to eliminate malaria. The course strengthens this by empowering leaders to share data, harmonise strategies, and share learned experiences amongst peers.

To ensure ongoing relevance and efficacy, the programme integrates a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework. Key indicators will track the long-term effects on participants’ performance, malaria incidence rates, and overall health system improvements. The data will also inform refinements to the curriculum, ensuring sustained impact and alignment with evolving challenges. The course will soon expand its country participant pool to include some other SADC countries, including Malawi and Madagascar in future cohorts.

Recognition of excellence

This award-winning programme demonstrates how targeted leadership development can address complex health and social challenges. By fostering innovation, regional collaboration, and sustainable practices, UP ISMC’s leadership programme is contributing to saving lives, strengthening communities, and paving the way for a malaria-free future in Africa.

Winning the GIBS Social Impact Award highlights the programme’s transformative potential. It celebrates the dedication of the UP ISMC, its partners, and the participants who are translating knowledge into measurable outcomes.

This recognition is a call to action for continued investment, collaboration, and innovation in the fight against malaria. Together, we can achieve a healthier, more equitable world.