Yeromin Paul Mlacha, PhD, MSc: A Tanzanian vector biologist with broad interests in infectious diseases, environmental change, and host-parasite interactions. He has nearly 15 years of progressively senior experience in designing, implementing, and managing vector control programs. His primary focus is on understanding the ecology and controlling mosquito vectors responsible for malaria and arboviruses such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika. 

As a research scientist at the Ifakara Health Institute, Dr. Mlacha has led field research teams, designed research protocols, ensured quality data collection and verification, and conducted data analysis and visualization for several key studies related to mosquito populations and vector control in Tanzania. His contributions extend to the development of new innovations in vector control within the built environment, community-based vector control, and behavior change activities. 

Dr. Mlacha has also been involved in evaluating and implementing new products, including long-lasting insecticidal nets and repellents. His research endeavors have been supported by various donors, including USAID/PMI, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, UNITAID, and DFID.

Currently, Dr. Mlacha leads a study investigating the risk assessment of vector-borne diseases in urban Dar es Salaam using machine learning. This study examines the impact of the built environment on vector-borne diseases and aims to determine effective community-based responses for prevention and case management. 

Furthermore, Dr. Mlacha serves as the Entomology Work Package Lead for Result 4 of the DHIBITI (CONTROL) MALARIA Project, funded by the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative. The project focuses on improving entomological monitoring to guide effective vector control in Tanzania, particularly by monitoring insecticide resistance and malaria vector species composition. Additionally, it aims to enhance the sensitivity of the National Malaria Control Program’s entomological surveillance system to detect the invasive malaria vector Anopheles stephensi.