The Modelling for Decisions in a Dynamic Africa (MoDD Africa) project officially launched with a three-day Project Leads Kickoff Meeting from November 28–30, 2024, held in ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya. 

The meeting brought together technical team members, country leads, and senior researchers to align on the project's ambitious agenda: using cutting-edge modeling to tackle vector-borne diseases like malaria amidst rapidly changing environmental conditions.

Day 1: Building the Foundation

The meeting began with a comprehensive overview of the project’s four-year roadmap. Country leaders from Tanzania, Nigeria, and the DRC shared initial presentations, emphasizing the diverse contexts in which MoDD Africa will operate. Discussions also centered on Year 1 activities, timelines, and deliverables.

Day 2: Expanding the Vision

The second day delved into malaria interventions in urban settings and early warning systems for emerging health threats, respectively. Teams discussed integrating entomological and epidemiological models to respond more effectively to health crises.

An interactive session on data availability provided insights into the current gaps and opportunities for both country-specific and multi-country analyses.

Day 3: Equipping for Success

The final day focused on operational readiness, outlining strategies for strengthening skills, fostering networks, and maximizing the project’s impact through knowledge-sharing. Discussions on recruitment, budget planning, and logistical preparations emphasized the importance of building strong foundations for success.

Next Steps

As the meeting concluded, country leads began planning their kickoff meetings to bring together national stakeholders, including representatives from National Malaria Programs (NMPs). 

About MoDD Africa

Dr Susan Rumisha of Ifakara Health Institute will lead efforts to establish data modeling hubs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Tanzania, creating a network to guide mosquito-borne disease control in the context of climate change. These hubs will focus on modeling the impacts of environmental change on malaria, analyzing interactions with public health systems, and tracking mosquito vector dynamics. The initiative will enhance expertise in model development and could expand to address arboviral diseases.