From 20-22 February 2025, the Ifakara Health Institute’s "Comprehensive Assessment of the Biology and Public Health Importance of Anopheles stephensi in Africa" (AnoSTEP–AfriKa Project) convened principal investigators from collaborating institutions in Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Djibouti to define research priorities and align project goals. 

This new project will assess the impact of anopheles stephensi, one of the latest invasive malaria vectors, on malaria transmission in Africa.  Learn more about this here: AnoSTEP AfriKa

A major milestone for Ifakara, Africa

The meeting began with remarks from Dr. Emmanuel Kaindoa, Head of the Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences (EHES) Department at Ifakara, who described the AnoSTEP–AfriKa project as one of the largest initiatives at Ifakara. 

He highlighted its significance, stating, "This project represents a major milestone for Ifakara in our efforts to understand and combat anopheles stephensi in Africa, while strengthening malaria control strategies across the continent."

Country status reports, scope of work and workplans

Chaired by Dr. Samson Kiware, the project leader, the meeting featured presentations from the project collaborators, including Assalif Demissew from the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (Ethiopia), Samatar Kayad and Mohamed Ibrahim from the Djibouti National Malaria Control Program, and Eric Ochomo from the Kenya Medical Research Institute. These presentations provided updates on the status of the anopheles stephensi invasion in their respective countries and facilitated the exchange of lessons learned so far.

Participants also engaged in discussions on the scope of work and work plans, with each partner presenting the technical aspects of their contributions to the project. A working session was held to refine detailed plans for the first project phase. 

The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Samatar Kayad, Program Manager from Djibouti, who expressed gratitude to Ifakara for hosting and shared his optimism that the project would bring significant benefits to Djibouti’s National Malaria Control Program.