Africa and Nigeria particularly have been plagued with healthcare challenges such as

maternal and infant mortality, control of vector-borne diseases, environmental

pollution, incessant doctors strike, infectious and non-communicable diseases among
others. The WHO Global status report even listed Nigeria and other developing
countries as the worst hit with deaths from non-communicable diseases.

The disease which has always piqued my interest is malaria. Malaria is a disease
caused by a plasmodium parasite and transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
Malaria is a deadly disease with 241 million cases and accounted for 627 000 deaths in
2020 alone. Africa accounted for over 228 950 000 cases and 600 000 deaths which is,
sadly, a very disproportionate figure when taken into account with the rest of the
world. Malaria is a disease that affects at least one country in every continent, so it is
safe to say that malaria is a global disease.

I was inspired to eradicate malaria after surviving a near-death experience involving

malaria and typhoid in 6th grade. The benefits of eradicating malaria are unlimited
with an increase in human capital and an increase in productivity of factors of
production. Eradicating malaria would make the world healthier, more productive, and
more prosperous saving billions of dollars in investments. How true is the saying that
"health is wealth."

Through the application of biochemistry, I will undertake groundbreaking research in

the biological structure and the composition of plasmodium falciparum and
plasmodium vivax: the two main parasites which cause malaria. My research will
enable scientists better understand the parasite and its vector — mosquito.

I also aim to develop the malaria vaccine which would help save countless lives. Every
2 minutes, a child under the age of five days from malaria which translates to 720
children dying every day due to malaria. The vaccine will give people immunity to the
parasite, and help prevent unnecessary deaths. Ultimately, malaria will seem foreign to
future generations just as smallpox is foreign to my generation.
The production of the vaccines will help save over 3 billion dollars spent on the control
of malaria. This money can be invested in other activities such as climate change
issues and global warming.

Further, I intend to create tiny robots — nanorobots — which would be as tiny as a

strand of hair. These 'nanobots' will be designed to attack and attach themselves to
the mosquitoes and exterminate them. The nanobots would be made up of
biodegradable materials and be carbon-free which would not worsen the climate
crisis. Further, the nanobots will not edit the genes of the vector mosquitoes. This
would be much better than the controversial CRISP-R technology which has been
alleged to be unethical. I intend to achieve this goal by improving upon the AI and
coding experience I have.

I am motivated to join the Wisconsin International Scholars program because I know

that I will gain a globally-engaged mindset, become adaptable and develop
international connections which will be beneficial to my future career. In addition, I will
have a hands-on knowledge of the culture of the country I apply to and improve upon
my communication ability while effectively collaborating across cultures. I know that
the skills needed to succeed in college and in my career will be instilled in me. I will
form connections and networks with a diverse group of people.