For the past 70 years, Land Rover has been engineering vehicles which have the ability to tackle any kind terrain and now, the company is working with the Mobile Malaria Project as it heads to sub-Saharan Africa to embark on an eight-week journey in a Discovery. Made up of three Oxford University researchers, led by Dr George Busby, the Mobile Malaria Project will travel more than 6,300km across Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya. They will be driving a specially-modified Land Rover Discovery and will investigate the challenges facing those on the front line of malaria control in Africa – where 90 per cent of the world's cases occur.
The Land Rover Discovery will travel more than 6,300km across Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya
Designed and developed by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, the Discovery is equipped with a mobile genetic sequencing laboratory that makes full-use of the vehicle's 1,137-litre load space. There's a fridge/freezer unit to safely store scientific supplies, there is also a bespoke load space configuration frame system with specially-designed storage equipment cases and an on-board expedition battery. The exterior comes with bespoke additions too, including a purpose-built dual sun awning, rescue equipment, a winch, sand/mud tracks, expedition roof rack and LED night driving lamps.
The Land Rover Discovery Mobile Malaria Project is made up of three Oxford University researchers, led by Dr George Busby
These modifications will allow the team to trial portable DNA sequencing technology, in collaboration with African research centres, to better understand how the technology can be used in different locations. This will provide important information about malaria parasite and mosquito populations, including drug and insecticide resistance.
Equipped with the latest all-terrain capability technology, the Land Rover Discovery will allow the team to travel with confidence – no matter the conditions they face. The Mobile Malaria Project has departed from the UK on March 22 and will return once it completes its eight-week expedition
