The Paul Farmer African Initiative for Research (PFAIR) aims to increase the capacity of African researchers to lead infectious disease research and the development of sustainable research ecosystems aligned with Africa-specific challenges and local health needs.

Catalyze a vibrant, interconnected research ecosystem between the Global North and the Global South, connecting African scientists with the skills, the tools, and the collaborative platforms they need to lead breakthroughs in drug discovery and biomedical research.

Advance a robust and sustainable African research ecosystem by addressing gaps in infrastructure, funding, and scientific capacity through long-term partnerships and regional collaboration.

Africa faces critical health challenges, including HIV/AIDS, malaria, and emerging or pandemic-prone diseases such as Ebola and COVID-19. The Paul Farmer African Initiative for Research (PFAIR), launched through UCSF’s Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), was inspired by the legacy of global health pioneer Dr. Paul Farmer, who devoted his life to caring for underserved populations. Dr. Farmer introduced Dr. Mohamed Bailor Barrie, his mentee and former executive director of Partners In Health in Sierra Leone, to Dr. Nevan Krogan, Director of QBI, sparking the beginnings of this initiative. PFAIR builds on QBI’s collaborative model and aims to bridge research and capacity-building gaps through equitable partnerships with African universities, and research institutions.

The First International West Africa Symposium & Workshops on Infectious Disease, held in Sierra Leone in 2024, brought together global researchers and regional health professionals for a dynamic exchange of ideas, hands-on training, and meaningful collaboration to strengthen infectious disease research across West Africa.

SYMPOSIUM
Promoted interdisciplinary collaboration, featuring global experts and practical discussions on research challenges.

WORKSHOPS
Delivered hands-on training in molecular biology, bioinformatics, grant writing, and clinical research, with more than 90% of participants reporting improved research skills and confidence.

CLINICAL SITE VISIT
Linked lab-based scientists with frontline healthcare settings to bridge gaps between discovery and patient impact.

QBI–UCSF – Leads international scientific collaboration to tackle biomedical challenges.

Global North Network – UCLA, Northwestern University, University College London, Institut Pasteur, and others.

African Network – Active partnerships in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, and Kenya, with expansion underway across West, East, and Southern Africa.