From 20-23rd September 2024, Ifakara Health Institute took part in the 21st International Congress for Tropical Medicine and Malaria (ICTMM 2024) in Sarawak, Malaysia. The congress, themed "Global responses and interdisciplinary research towards eliminating tropical diseases," brought together experts from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in the field.

Innovation in malaria control 

On 21st Dr. Dickson Lwetoijera, a principal research scientist at Ifakara Health Institute, chaired a session on innovative biocontrol approaches for mosquito-borne diseases, sharing his expertise with a global audience. Panelists included Mr. Mouhamed Drabo from Target Malaria, Burkina Faso, Prof. Dr. Leo Braack from Malaria Consortium, Malawi, and Dr. Cheong Huat Tan from the National Environment Agency of Singapore. 

Dr. Lwetoijera Additionally, Dr. Lwetoijera, who is also the Director of the Transmission Zero Program overseeing implementation in Tanzania, delivered a symposium on building African capacity in genetic-biocontrol techniques for malaria control and elimination.

Key Topics and Highlights

The ICTMM 2024 covered a wide range of topics from HIV, innovative technologies in disease diagnosis and treatment, global collaborations to combat tropical diseases, and the One Health perspective of addressing interconnected human, animal, and environmental health, including emerging threats like COVID-19. 

The congress offered a valuable platform for researchers, healthcare professionals, students and policymakers to exchange ideas, collaborate, and advance progress in the fight against tropical diseases. Ifakara is proud to have participated in this collective effort.