Scientists from the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania participated in the 2024 ASTMH (American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene) Annual Meeting, scheduled from November 13 to 17 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

The Ifakara team includes the Institute’s Chief Executive Director, Dr. Honorati Masanja – himself an accomplished public health researcher and a handful of other top-notch scientists from the entomology, clinical trials, health systems research groups and those representing programs.

A premier event in the field of tropical medicine, #TropMed24 gathers researchers, public health professionals, and leaders worldwide to discuss the latest advancements in tropical health, malaria, and global health equity. 

Held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, this meeting features a range of discussions, presentations, and symposia on topics crucial to advancing tropical and global health.

Ifakara scientist honored
The ASTMH has recognized Dr. Punam Amratia from Ifakara as the 2024 Magill Fellow. This prestigious fellowship is designed to support mentorship for early- and mid-career scientists from low and low-middle-income countries.

Dr. Amratia's achievement underscores the contributions of Tanzanian scientists in global health research and aligns with IHI’s dedication to enhancing health and wellbeing across Africa. In a message on the X platform few hours ago, the ASTMH noted, “Congratulations to the 2024 Magill Fellow, @PunamAmratia, from the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania!  This fellowship supports mentorship for early-mid career ASTMH members in low/low-middle income countries.”

MAP Dar continues to shine at ASTMH 

MAP Dar held productive discussions with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, focusing on the critical role of geospatial modeling in enhancing malaria interventions.

To top it off, Dr. Amratia received the prestigious ASTMH Medal, an honor bestowed upon a select group of individuals for their exceptional contributions to tropical medicine and global health.

Ifakara’s presentations

Daniel Msellemu delivered an insightful presentation at the session on Spatial Repellents: From Active Ingredient Discovery to Policy and Rollout Evaluation. His talk, titled Meta-Analysis on the Entomological Evidence Base for Spatial Repellents, provided a comprehensive overview of the current data supporting the effectiveness of spatial repellents in malaria vector control.

In addition, Ifakara researchers Doreen Siria and Victoria Githu presented engaging posters that showcased innovative approaches to malaria control. Doreen Siria's poster focused on Combining House-Screening and Odour-Baited Mosquito Traps for Sustainable Malaria Transmission Control in Tanzania, highlighting promising integrated strategies for long-term prevention. 

Victoria Githu's poster, A Systematic Review of Entomological Indicators and Sampling Approaches Used in the Evaluation of Cluster Randomised Trials for Malaria Vector Control Products, explored the methodologies used to assess the impact of malaria control interventions.

It’s a wrap!

Ifakara is proud to have participated in this important event and looks forward to building on the relationships sparked. We remain committed to advancing malaria control research and strengthening collaborations with partners to drive impactful, evidence-based solutions.

The Ifakara team’s involvement at #TropMed24 emphasizes its role in advancing public health knowledge, particularly in malaria research and health systems strengthening. 

This year’s ASTMH Annual Meeting provided an invaluable platform for sharing insights, networking, and fostering collaborations that address the world’s most pressing health challenges.