Meet Three Grand Challenges Changemakers

Local innovators are key to solving local problems before they become global, which is why the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation partners with scientists from local contexts to champion innovation in global health.??

This year’s Grand Challenges attendees are scientists, researchers, and innovators from around the world who are committed to solving some of public health’s greatest challenges with new, cutting-edge solutions.

Here are just three of their stories:?

Dr. Fedros Okumu has been working on disease modeling for malaria. Tanzania has decreased its number of mosquito-related deaths. Dr. Okumu continues working on prevention of vector-borne diseases.

Photo credit: ?Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/Frederic Courbet

Iruka Okeke is a bacterial genetics and genomic educator who researches the molecular epidemiology, pathogenesis and drug resistance of enteric bacteria. She is also a strong advocate for strengthening laboratory medicine and antimicrobial surveillance in Africa.

Photo credit: ?Gates Archive/Mulugeta Ayene

Dr. Yaw Bediako is a Ghanaian Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Yemaachi Biotech and researcher at the West African Centre for Cell Biology and Infectious Pathogens in Ghana. Yaw is conducting research on vaccines on the African continent and how Africa can stay ahead in the design and production of vaccines. The African continent has the highest infectious disease burden but has the least investment in creating its own vaccines and testing facilities. This situation must change and a new generation of African scientists are helping to change the status quo.