WELCOME TO
THE VITAL NARRATIVE
ABOUT THE VITAL NARRATIVE
The Vital Narrative is an international consultancy dedicated to transforming how philanthropists engage with Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) to drive innovation in global health. We specialize in bridging the critical funding gap that prevents small-to-medium enterprises in developing countries from scaling their groundbreaking research and development efforts in health sectors like vaccines, malaria, and medical technologies.
My approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges faced by health-focused SMEs in emerging markets—limited access to investment, lack of infrastructure, and complex regulatory environments. We work to connect visionary entrepreneurs with ethical investors who are passionate about supporting sustainable, impactful R&D in global health.
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By leveraging decades of experience in global health, medical entomology, and international funding, The Vital Narrative empowers African health innovators to deliver solutions for Africa, by Africa. Our goal is to reshape the global health landscape by fostering partnerships that prioritize long-term solutions over short-term gains.
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If you are an investor seeking to make a meaningful impact or an SME looking for strategic partnerships, The Vital Narrative can guide you through the process. Let’s work together to build a future where global health innovation thrives, and no community is left behind.
Grow your ideas
Work with The Vital Narrative
The Vital Narrative has been established to serve unmet needs of Small to Medium start-ups in the Global Health space, particularly in countries where opportunities for growth and development of innovative research are lacking.
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How can I help? I would like to hear from you.
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If your product shows good promise and is backed up with sound scientific data, my aim is to help you secure further funding from private investors to help you move to proof of concept and further testing, sufficient to grow and attract further investment.
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Please use this enrolment form as a first step in us getting to know one another, and I will follow up with you as soon as I can.
Alternatively, feel free to contact me directly.
Make a difference
Invest through The Vital Narrative
If you are a philanthropic investor, working through The Vital Narrative is your opportunity to make a big difference to global health and the underserved small-medium businesses. By partnering with The Vital Narrative, you will have access to a growing portfolio of global health products under development, each one scrutinized for its scientific soundness and rigor, for its innovation and uniqueness, and for its feasibility as a future commercial venture.
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I aim to de-risk your involvement by undertaking the scientific due diligence, providing you with an understanding of the scale of the problem being addressed, and the potential for future impact.
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Together, we will gradually change the landscape of private sector start-up research and development on the continent.
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Please contact me directly so that we can explore your potential involvement.
About me
I am Dr. Pete Billingsley
With over 35 years experience as a global health executive, I am a seasoned expert in vaccinology, malaria transmission, and vector biology. My contributions have significantly advanced tropical disease and public health, reflected in over 140 peer-reviewed publications and millions of dollars secured for laboratory research, clinical studies, and capacity-building projects.
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I bring a unique blend of energy, curiosity, and broad experience, all grounded in a strong work ethic and a collaborative, inclusive leadership approach. My career spans key positions in the private sector, where I was instrumental in driving malaria vaccine R&D, and academia, where I focused on medical and veterinary entomology and malaria transmission. This wealth of experience plus on-the-ground work across Africa and organizational leadership, allows me to offer insights and guidance from a place of deep expertise and practical understanding.
As a skilled educator, writer, and communicator, I connect effectively with diverse audiences, from classrooms to boardrooms. My strong analytical abilities and outstanding interpersonal skills have allowed me to build and maintain essential professional networks worldwide.
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I have served as Vice President of International Projects and Strategy at Sanaria Inc. and as Head of Zoology at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, following a prestigious Royal Society University Fellowship held at Imperial College London. I hold a PhD from Queen’s University (Kingston, Canada) and a BSc from Leeds University (UK).
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Beyond my professional life, I enjoy writing fiction, hiking, and playing guitar.
