The Ifakara Health Institute is excited to participate in the 74th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), taking place from November 9–13, 2025, in Toronto, Canada. Several Ifakara scientists are taking part through oral and poster presentations, and engaging with global colleagues to exchange ideas, share new findings, and strengthen collaborations.

As one of the world’s leading forums in tropical medicine and global health, the ASTMH Annual Meeting brings together researchers, practitioners, and policy experts from across the globe. Ifakara looks forward to sharing its research, learning from world-class experts, and contributing to discussions that drive progress in improving health across tropical regions.

Young scientists awarded
We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Ifakara young scientists at ASTMH! This recognition is given to individuals who independently conduct research and present their findings before a panel of judges, serving as the primary author and lead executor of the work.

Paul Mrosso received the Young Investigator Award (First Tier) for his groundbreaking research on improving the breeding of Anopheles funestus, one of Africa’s deadliest malaria mosquitoes. Through his research, Paul identified ways to improve the lighting conditions used in insectaries, significantly enhancing the breeding success of this mosquito species. This breakthrough opens new opportunities for malaria research, enabling scientists to better understand this high-risk vector.

Gloria Shirima, a young research scientist and mathematical modeller, received an Honourable Mention for the Young Investigator Award. Her work demonstrates exceptional promise in applying mathematical modelling to understand and predict disease transmission dynamics, contributing valuable insights for evidence-based interventions in global health.

“These awards are a powerful source of motivation. They reinforce my confidence and assure us that the work we are doing truly matters, both to the scientific community and to global health,” said Mrosso.

Head of the Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences (EHES) Department, Dr. Emmanuel Kaindoa remarked: “Congratulations to Mrosso who won the ASTMH Young investigator award 2025 (First tier mention), also congrats to Gloria for winning the award as Honorable mention.’

Ifakara’s world-class talent recognized 

Ifakara Health Institute is proud to celebrate two remarkable milestones at ASTMH2025. Our former Director of Science, Prof. Fredros Okumu, now Professor of Vector Biology at the University of Glasgow, was awarded the prestigious Bailey K. Ashford Medal for his groundbreaking contributions to tropical medicine and vector biology. 

At the same time, Dr. Yeromin Mlacha, a dedicated research scientist at Ifakara, was selected for the highly competitive Mid-Career Leaders Program — a global initiative nurturing leadership and professional growth among mid-career scientists. These achievements underscore the talent, dedication, and international impact of Ifakara researchers in advancing science to improve health worldwide.

Ifakara scientist named ASTMH fellow

Ifakara Health Institute is proud to celebrate Dr. Deus Ishengoma, who has been named a 2025 Fellow of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (FASTMH) — a prestigious recognition awarded to distinguished scientists for their exceptional contributions to tropical medicine and global health.

This recognition highlights Dr. Ishengoma’s long-standing commitment to malaria research and capacity building in Tanzania and beyond. His work continues to strengthen evidence-based interventions aimed at controlling and ultimately eliminating malaria.

Ifakara Health Institute extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ishengoma on this well-deserved achievement — a testament to his dedication and impact on global health.