EPSILON - Malaria modelling field strengthening

Mathematical modelling has been widely used to understand the epidemiology and the impact of drugs but little has been done for vector control. In Africa in particular, there is a need to increase the local capacity for mathematical modelling.

The Malaria modelling field strengthening project which will simply be known as “Epsilon” aims to support malaria mathematical modelling capacity-building efforts across sub-Saharan Africa with a specific focus on malaria vector control.

Key activities in the pipeline when implementing the project include;
i.    Training a cohort of PhD-level African Modellers.
ii.    Improving models’ access to timely, high-quality data.
iii.    Improve NMCP’s understanding of an engagement with modelling approaches
iv.    Bringing together discrete modelling units across Africa to share expertise.

By the end of the project, the team involved expect to successfully train and mentor a cohort of PhD-level scientists in mathematical modelling of vector control across Africa; generate data-driven and realistic models for effective vector control of malaria; produce world-class research outputs in modelling of vector control; bring NMCPs to adopt mathematical modelling in designing and implementing vector control interventions; and take advantage of new tools i.e. Attractive toxic sugar bait (ATSB), Gene drive and new insecticides formulations.

The project will run for 3 years (December 2022 to December 2025) involving 10 different international partners – among them is Ifakara Health Institute. Ifakara’s Dr. Hafan Ngowo will be the Principal Investigator for the project.

Other partners include The Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Cameroon; Research Institute of Health Sciences (IRSS), Burkina Faso; Imperial College London, UK; Institute of Disease Modelling, BGMF, USA; The Pan-Africa Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA), Kenya; The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Uganda; The Malaria Alert Centre (MAC), Malawi; The National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB), DRC; and The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Ghana.

The project will be supported and funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) through the Centre for research in infectious diseases (CRID).