Target Malaria launches “Full Court Against Malaria”, a new campaign at the Youth Olympic Games

Target Malaria unveiled its latest campaign for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

Titled “Full Court Against Malaria”, the campaign features “Captain Drabo”, a fictional character inspired by both my current role at Target Malaria and my former career as a professional basketball player. The campaign also builds on the momentum of “Zero Malaria Next Play”, an advocacy initiative in which I am participating as a representative of Target Malaria.

“Full Court Against Malaria” connects the values of basketball, teamwork, resilience and leadership with one of Africa’s most pressing public health challenges: malaria. Using sport as a universal language, the campaign aims to inspire young people, especially those who love basketball, to become informed advocates for malaria prevention, scientific innovation and community action.

A key objective of the campaign is to encourage young people to see science not as something distant or inaccessible, but as a sector they can actively engage with and help shape. Whether as future scientists, health professionals, community leaders, entrepreneurs or advocates, young people have a critical role to play in advancing solutions to global challenges.

The campaign also shines a spotlight on the contributions of African researchers and innovators working to develop new tools to complement existing malaria control efforts. Among these innovations is gene drive research, which is being explored as a potential way to reduce populations of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.

I believe that winning against malaria, like winning a basketball game, requires everyone to play their part. Scientists, communities, policymakers and young people all have a role to play. Because science is a team sport, and research deserves a place in the starting lineup against malaria.