In today’s globalised world, characterised by the ever increasing trans-boundary flows of people and goods, the further spread of the pandemic is even greater. Infectious diseases spread more quickly than they ever have before, as evidenced by SARs, Ebola, Zika and bird flu outbreaks with the largest in the 21st century being COVI9-19 that has become a global matter.

Scientists have discovered a microbe that completely protects mosquitoes from being infected with malaria.

The team in Kenya and the UK say the finding has "enormous potential" to control the disease.

Malaria is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes, so protecting them could in turn protect people.

The researchers are now investigating whether they can release infected mosquitoes into the wild, or use spores to suppress the disease.

The National Research Fund has put out calls for proposals in the following strategic thematic areas;