West African Network for Tuberculosis, AIDS and Malaria’s Post

Revolutionizing Malaria Control: Portable DNA Sequencing in Action Innovative Approach: Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Ghana have developed a groundbreaking method for rapidly and reliably detecting genetic mutations in malaria parasites using a portable sequencer and a gaming laptop. Local Impact: This technology enables real-time pathogen monitoring directly in rural, malaria-prone areas, allowing for swift identification of drug resistance markers and vaccine targets. Cost-Effective: The process is affordable, at approximately GBP 27 per sample, making it accessible for regions with limited resources. Global Significance: This advancement is a significant step towards effectively empowering local regions to combat malaria and safeguard high-risk groups. Join the conversation on how portable technologies are changing the landscape of global health. Access the full article: https://lnkd.in/dHqvUChG #MalariaControl #GlobalHealth #Innovation #PortableSequencing

Do you know that within genetic codes lie invaluable insights into combating malaria? At MyAfroDNA we're committed to supporting researchers unraveling the secrets that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for this deadly disease. Through our extensive network of researchers, geneticists, and healthcare professionals, we're dedicated to gathering and supporting researchers interested in analyzing genetic data from individuals across Africa. By understanding the genetic variations that contribute to malaria resistance and susceptibility, we envision that targeted interventions would be developed to save lives. Join us in our mission to eradicate malaria by harnessing the power of African genetics. Together, we can make strides towards a malaria-free world. #worldmalariaday #malariaresearch #africangenetics #genomichealth

The extraordinary capabilities of microbes continue to amaze me. Whether functioning collaboratively as part of a community or as individual virtuosos, microbes are microscopic superheroes in my perspective. Researchers found a bacterium Delftia tsuruhatensis TC1 that can inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite Plasmodium in the gut of mosquitoes. Only one-third of mice bitten by bacterium-carrying mosquitoes become infected, compared with 100% of mice bitten by regular mosquitoes. A molecule called harmane could be key to disrupting the parasite. Great study about a new bacterial weapon in the fight against malaria, a disease that kills half a million people most of whom are children under 5. https://lnkd.in/gZXDDmV6

🌟 Exciting News from Kenya! 🇰🇪 Did you know that mathematical modeling is revolutionizing our approach to understanding and combating diseases like malaria? 🦟 Today, I'm thrilled to share insights from my PhD work, where we're harnessing mathematical modeling to assess asymptomatic malaria in Kenya, under the guidance of incredible supervisors: Jesse Gitaka, Thumbi Mwangi, Bernard Kanoi, Ph.D., Prof. Samuel Mwalili, and the team at Mount Kenya University - MKU, Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA-Africa), African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Rwanda, and the National Malaria Control Program -Kenya . Malaria remains a significant health challenge in Kenya, with asymptomatic cases often evading detection, posing a persistent threat to public health. However, through innovative approaches like mathematical modeling, we're gaining a deeper understanding of the dynamics of asymptomatic malaria transmission, its impact on communities, and the effectiveness of current malaria interventions. In collaboration with The National Malaria Control Program -Kenya (NMCP), we're developing mathematical models using real-world data from malaria-endemic settings in Kenya. By integrating factors such as prevalence, transmission rates, and population movements, we're able to predict and assess the spread of asymptomatic cases with unprecedented accuracy. This groundbreaking work not only contributes to the global fight against malaria but also underscores the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex health challenges. By leveraging mathematical modeling, we're not only identifying hidden reservoirs of infection but also developing strategies to better target resources and interventions where they're needed most. Together, let's #EndMalaria and build a healthier, more resilient future for all. 💪🌍 #MalariaControl #MathematicalModeling #HealthcareInnovation #KenyaHealthcare #GitakaLab #CME

What do baby diapers, and microscopy to study malaria parasites have in common? Some big news (pun intended) from our researchers in the Malaria Parasite Molecular Laboratory (M2PL)! We've achieved the first-ever ultra-structure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) of malaria parasites in South Africa, a game-changer for malaria research in Africa. The innovative approach, using U-ExM, inspired by the expansion of baby diapers, helps unlock the secrets of the tiny Plasmodium parasite. The parasite is smaller than a human red blood cell, and a lot more complex than one. Read more about the significance of this microscopy technique for malaria research and control 👇 . https://lnkd.in/d_kx_GFg #Malaria #malariaparasite #plasmodium #microscopy #uexm #parasitebiology #MalariaElimination #m2pl #upismc #lifechangers https://lnkd.in/dZ7ckvQ5

Every month, we feature five projects from #MESATrack, the malaria projects database, to demonstrate the latest ideas and advances in malaria research. For November, the five featured projects are: 🟢 Genomics and sero-epidemiology of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a pre-elimination setting: https://lnkd.in/d3PYzVNh Focal Person: Fabian Ernesto Saenz 🟣Understanding the mechanism that determines the pathogenicity and ability to transmit to mosquitoes of P. falciparum based on clinical samples derived from malaria patients: https://lnkd.in/dR8ZZbps Focal Person: Shinya Miyazaki 🔴Motion sensors to quantify bednet use: https://lnkd.in/d3pwMR7g Focal Person: Benjamin Koudou 🔵Risk stratification of malaria among school-age children with mHealth spectroscopy of blood analysis: https://lnkd.in/dJBTE67H Focal Person: Young L. Kim 🟠Pathogenesis of severe childhood malaria: https://lnkd.in/dy_6pjr9 Focal Person: Anna Bachmann Subscribe to the monthly newsletter to see featured projects in the future: ow.ly/Jay550J0eAX

Apply for the Malaria Modelling Fellowship 2024 The goal of the fellowship is to: - boost the number of mathematical modelers with training in malaria at the doctorate and post-doctoral levels who are stationed at Nigerian universities. - strengthen the National Malaria Elimination Program’s (NMEP) ability to use modeling techniques as a tool to assist with evaluation and strategic planning. - enhance the National Malaria Elimination Program’s (NMEP) ability to model strategies as a tool to assist strategic planning and assesses https://lnkd.in/gQaYunY4

📚 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 '𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘬 𝘮𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘰' This recently published article, co-authored by fellows Gountante (Tante) Kombate, Diederick (Rick) E. Grobbee, MD, PhD, FESC and Marianne van der Sande explored  spatial patterns of malaria incidence in children under five in Togo with different regression techniques. It was observed that the distribution of malaria incidence was not random in the 171 clusters studied, and that there were significant spatial clusters, associated with temperature, precipitation, aridity and proximity to water bodies We identified 5 transmission hotspots. The modelled climatic and environmental predictors can contribute to specific malaria control plans considering geographical variation and transmission hotspots. ''Thanks to all the co-authors for their contributions." Read the full article in Nature Portfolio Scientific Reports: [https://lnkd.in/e6BtgfPT]

Morgan Goheen, MD, PhD, is an Infectious Diseases fellow interested in the mosquito vector role in transmission of drug resistant malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, Goheen received a Centennial Travel Award in Basic Science Tropical Disease Research. "I will be investigating the impact of human antimalarials in the mosquito vector, both in terms of impact on the mosquito life cycle and on developing parasites within the mosquito. Interval deployment of long-acting antimalarials to either the whole population, or certain demographic groups, is increasingly being used as an important public health strategy to combat malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, where the deadliest species, Plasmodium falciparum, predominates," said Morgan Goheen, MD, PhD. Learn more about her and her interests below. https://lnkd.in/eKfHBz4V