Our Strategy
Strategic Priorities (2024–2028)
AIRID’s strategy for 2024–2028 is built around five pillars, each with a clear strategic goal and measurable objectives to strengthen scientific excellence, infrastructure, human capacity, partnerships, and institutional sustainability.
Pillar 1: Strengthen Scientific Research and Innovation
Strategic goal: Build world-class research programmes addressing malaria and other infectious diseases through rigorous science, innovative technologies, and partnership-driven research.
Objectives (2024–2028):
- Establish robust research programmes in:
- Vector control and public health entomology
- Disease surveillance, diagnostics and molecular epidemiology
- Health policy, systems and economics
- Community health, social science and community acceptance
- Data science, analytics and modelling
- Conduct high-quality evaluations of next-generation vector control products (ITNs, IRS, spatial repellents, GMMs, larvicides).
- Develop an experimental platform for testing genetically modified mosquitoes and novel tools.
- Publish at least 25 peer-reviewed scientific papers by 2028.
- Expand AIRID’s research portfolio to include three new disease areas beyond malaria.
Pillar 2: Build State-of-the-Art Research Infrastructure
Strategic goal: Develop modern laboratory and field infrastructures to support cutting-edge research in entomology, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry.
Objectives (2024–2028):
- Establish a fully functional Analytical Chemistry Laboratory capable of quantifying insecticide content and treated materials.
- Expand the Molecular Biology & Genomics Laboratory for species identification, resistance markers, sequencing, and pathogen detection.
- Modernize insectaries and experimental hut sites to meet international standards.
- Develop a data center for secure data storage and analysis.
- Strengthen health, safety, and quality systems with full SOPs and biosafety compliance.
Pillar 3: Strengthen Human Capacity and Scientific Leadership
Strategic goal: Train and support the next generation of African scientists and research leaders.
Objectives (2024–2028):
- Recruit and train scientists, technicians, field staff, and administrative personnel.
- Establish a training academy providing short courses in entomology, GLP, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, quality assurance, and epidemiology.
- Supervise Master’s and PhD students in collaboration with LSTM, LSHTM, CREC, PAMVERC-BENIN, University of Abomey-Calavi, and regional institutions.
- Create professional development pathways, including mentorship, leadership training, and conference participation.
- Secure fellowships and training grants to support early-career researchers.
Pillar 4: Strengthen Partnerships, Policy Engagement & Regional Leadership
Strategic goal: Position AIRID as a regional hub for vector control, implementation research, and policy engagement in West Africa.
Objectives (2024–2028):
- Strengthen collaborations with NMCP Benin, CREC, universities, regional research institutions, WHO, RBM VCWG, and industry partners.
- Participate actively in global networks (VCWG, PAMCA).
- Lead or co-lead multi-country research consortia by 2027.
- Produce evidence that informs national malaria control policy and WHO policy dialogues.
- Host annual scientific symposia and training workshops in Benin.
Pillar 5: Institutional Strengthening, Governance & Sustainability
Strategic goal: Build a resilient, well-governed, and financially sustainable institution.
Objectives (2024–2028):
- Develop and implement institutional policies in research integrity, ethics, safeguarding, finance, procurement, HR, quality systems, biosafety, risk management, and data protection.
- Strengthen governance through the AIRID Board and Scientific Advisory Committee.
- Establish efficient financial management systems aligned with donor regulations.
- Diversify funding sources through grants, consultancy services, laboratory services, trainings, and partnerships.
- Develop a long-term institutional sustainability plan.
Key Deliverables (2024–2028)
- Fully operational analytical chemistry laboratory.
- Expanded molecular and genomics laboratory.
- Four experimental hut stations upgraded.
- 20–25 peer-reviewed publications.
- At least 5–10 million USD in new research funding secured.
- Ten MSc and five PhD students trained.
- Full suite of institutional governance policies implemented.
- Recognised status as a regional reference centre for vector control and implementation research.