Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases
Research & Innovation Programmes Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases
Research

Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases

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This programme aims to expand our current scientific understanding of the most relevant and neglected diseases affecting humans, and their host-vector interactions, in order to support evidence-based policy-making for the control and eventual elimination of these diseases.

We focus on malaria and neglected parasitic diseases such as Chagas, Dengue, soil transmitted helminths and leishmaniasis.

We apply methods which include  basic cell and molecular biology, omics, immunology, epidemiology, intervention trials with drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tools, surveillance and implementation science.

Main Research Areas

This program has international leadership in:

  • Basic science for a better understanding of the biology and host-pathogen interactions of these diseases.
  • Development and evaluation of new tools /strategies for the treatment and control of these diseases.
  • Surveillance and implementation science.

Capacity building is included at all levels.

This multidisciplinary research program addresses malaria and neglected parasitic diseases through a robust and integrated framework spanning biology of host-parasite interactions and the molecular basis of physiopathology, immunological mechanisms and vaccine development, epidemiological research, public and migrant health, clinical interventions, diagnostics and prevention tools, and implementation science, surveillance, and economics. Currently, the program includes 26 Principal Investigators (PIs) primarily affiliated with it, along with additional PIs affiliated with other programs who share several research lines. The program relies firmly in our original partnerships with Mozambique, Marruecos, and Bolivia, the latter now extended to Paraguay. In addition, actively pursuing strategic alliances with institutions in endemic regions, including other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Sierra Leone and Togo, countries with P. vivax (Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Cambodia) and Leishmania (Tunisia). Worth of mentioning, recent International collaboration efforts: (i) online meetings are being held with scientists from FIOCRUZ, and (ii) in-person meetings with researchers from ISGlobal and PTI–Salud Global CSIC to explore funding opportunities for cross-cutting programs. (iii) NHEPACHA (Nuevas Herramientas para Pacientes con Chagas).

Research Groups

Strategic Alliances in Endemic Regions

Translation and Impact

Over the years, ISGlobal has made significant efforts to tackle diseases that disproportionately affect populations living in poverty. As part of this commitment, the institution has focused on neglected tropical diseases such as Chagas disease and soil transmitted helminths, as well as on malaria control and elimination.

ISGlobal is a WHO Collaborating Centre for the control, elimination and eradication of malaria, providing strategic and technical guidance to the WHO and national malaria programmes, both for P. falciparum and P. vivax. Through the Malaria Elimination Scientific Alliance (MESA), supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ISGlobal helps define and monitor the global malaria research and development agenda. By aligning researchers, funders and policymakers, MESA ensures that critical evidence gaps are addressed and that research investments respond to countries’ needs.

Since 2002, ISGlobal has worked to improve the prevention, diagnosis and care of Chagas disease in both endemic and non-endemic settings by translating research into practice. Through long-term collaboration with partners in Latin America and international networks, as well as with local health authorities and communities, we have accelerated the uptake of evidence and tools into health systems. Our work has strengthened early detection strategies, improved access to diagnosis and treatment, and supported healthcare workers in preventing and managing chronic complications, bringing Chagas disease closer to public health agendas.

To advance professional development, short courses and leadership workshops are offered, alongside opportunities to participate in ISGlobal’s Master’s programme in Global Health. Strategic partnerships are also established with universities and research centres in order to strengthen technical expertise and strategic leadership capacity among professionals and researchers.

Translation activities were led by the Malaria Elimination Initiative and the Chagas Initiative until January 2026, when they were integrated into the Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases programme, further strengthening ISGlobal's commitment to a comprehensive, results-oriented approach.

Related Impact Stories

Breaking the Silence: Increasing awareness, diagnosis and treatment of Chagas disease in Bolivia and Paraguay

Path to Zero: Guiding malaria elimination efforts in Mozambique and beyond

Unveiling the Culprits: A new method to identify causes of death in low-income countries

Evidence for Policy

Note | Chagas: A Disease That Can No Longer Be Neglected

Analysis Document | Spain leadership on the struggle against Chagas disease

Analysis Document | A Decade of Stagnation: Strengthening the Commitment to Prevent Setbacks in the Fight against Malaria

Series | What Impact Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Had on the Fight Against Malaria?

Our Team

Leadership

Principal lnvestigators of the Programme

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