US oil major ExxonMobil has pledged £5.2million in order to help fight malaria.
The disease leads to an estimated 445,000 deaths annually, despite being curable.
The firm’s malaria initiative will be working in various countries including Angola, Chad, Cameroon, Mozambique and Nigeria.
It will work with non-profit partners to help build further education, advance research and build health system capacity in order to battle the disease.
This year’s grant includes research work with Harvard and Oxford universities, front-line services with the Global Health Core and funds for Grassroot Soccer, a group which uses the sport to increase awareness of malaria.
Kevin Murphy, president of the ExxonMobil foundation, said: “Investing in the next generation of leaders is crucial to winning the fight against malaria.
“We recognize the importance of supporting and inspiring young scientists, health workers and decision-makers to drive progress toward ending this deadly disease.”