Pfizer Global Health Fellow Aids Malaria Work In Senegal

The IntraHealth-led Mobilize against Malaria: Senegal project and Pfizer Global Health Fellows  are teaming up to address critical gaps in malaria treatment in Senegal. Global Health Fellows are employees Pfizer sponsors to work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in low-resource countries. Anthony Helou, a Clinical Research Project Manager in Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Canada Inc., will bring his many years of pharmaceutical experience to improve the supply and distribution of anti-malarial medications in Senegal.

According to the World Health Organization, malaria is the second highest cause of death for Senegalese of all ages and accounts for a quarter of deaths among children under five. IntraHealth has worked for several years on projects in Senegal that address malaria, but the Pfizer-funded Mobilize against Malaria: Senegal project has fighting the disease as its sole focus.

"Having lived 15 years in West Africa, I’m fully conscious of the impact of malaria in this region, as I personally suffered from it," Helou says.

Helou was born and raised in Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire. He moved to Canada at 15 to study and chose Pharmacy as a career that would allow him to help people in need. Along with managing clinical trials for Pfizer, Helou has worked in hospital and community pharmacies as well as a University lecturer. Helou offers his medical knowledge, extensive experience in coordination and set-up of systems and clinical supplies and internal project resource management, as well as his knowledge of the region, to the needs of this project.  

"My in-depth knowledge of the environment and politics will enable me to more effectively communicate key messages, and proactively identify and resolve execution issues." Helou notes.

The Mobilize against Malaria: Senegal Project is a five-year initiative that launched in 2007. The project is designed to help Senegal address critical gaps in malaria treatment and education. IntraHealth has also worked with Pfizer Global Health Fellows through the Capacity Project in Tanzania.

"In Clinical Research, our role is to develop novel and improved treatments that will contribute to the health and well-being of humans. The Global Health Fellows program is an innovative approach to mobilize Pfizer’s medical expertise and operating skills in partnership with NGOs."—Helou.