Leveraging mathematical models of disease dynamics and machine learning to improve development of novel malaria interventions (Publications)
targeted reductions in malaria prevalence. METHODS: A mathematical model of malaria transmission dynamics is used to simulate deployment and predict potential impact of new malaria interventions by considering [...] mathematical models of malaria dynamics coupled with machine learning. Our analysis identifies requirements of efficacy, coverage, and duration of effect for five novel malaria interventions to achieve [...] achieve specified health goals. RESULTS: We apply our approach to five malar...
Rethinking human resources and capacity building needs for malaria control and elimination in Africa (Publications)
considerable success in controlling malaria worldwide, progress toward achieving malaria elimination has largely stalled. In particular, strategies to overcome roadblocks in malaria control and elimination in Africa [...] Africa are critical to achieving worldwide malaria elimination goals—this continent carries 94% of the global malaria case burden. To identify key areas for targeted efforts, we combined a comprehensive [...] ve review of current literature with direct feedback gathered from...
Scalable process for high-yield production of PfCyRPA using insect cells for inclusion in a malaria virosome-based vaccine candidate (Publications)
been identified as a promising blood-stage candidate antigen to include in a broadly cross-reactive malaria vaccine. In the last couple of decades, substantial effort has been committed to the development [...] aiming to develop a scalable, high-yield, and high-quality PfCyRPA for inclusion in a virosome-based malaria vaccine candidate. Supplements with antioxidants improved PfCyRPA volumetric titers by 50% when added
Prereferral rectal artesunate and referral completion among children with suspected severe malaria in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria... (Publications)
artesunate (RAS) require urgent referral to a health facility where appropriate treatment for severe malaria can be provided. However, the rapid improvement of a child's condition after RAS administration may [...] completion is limited. METHODS: An observational study accompanied the roll-out of RAS in three malaria endemic settings in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria and Uganda. Community health [...] health workers and primary health centres enrolled children under 5...
Prevalence and force of <em>Plasmodium vivax</em> blood-stage infection and associated clinical malaria burden in the Brazilian Amazon (Publications)
Understanding the epidemiology of malaria through the molecular force of the blood-stage infection of Plasmodium vivax (molFOB) may provide a detailed assessment of malaria transmission. OBJECTIVES: In this [...] ed risk factors and spatial-temporal patterns of incidence of Plasmodium infection and clinical malaria episodes in three peri-urban communities of Manaus, Western Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: Monthly samples [...] Subjects who reported possession of a bed net [incidence rate ratio (IRR)...
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards malaria diagnostics among healthcare providers and healthcare-seekers in Kondoa district, Tanzania: a... (Publications)
large-scale rollout of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in Tanzania, many healthcare providers (HCPs) continue using blood film microscopy (BFM) and clinical examination to diagnose malaria, which can increase [...] survey, 48% preferred using BFM for malaria testing, while 52% preferred RDT. Faced with a negative RDT result for a patient presenting with symptoms typical for malaria, 25% of HCPs stated they would confirm [...] a concern. Frequent training and supportive supervision for HCPs...
The relative impact of interventions on sympatric <em>Plasmodium vivax</em> and <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> malaria: a systematic review (Publications)
BACKGROUND: In areas with both Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria, interventions can reduce the burden of both species but the impact may vary due to their different biology. Knowing the [...] infections attributed to P. vivax over time using a literature search. The change in the proportion of malaria attributed to P. vivax up to two years since implementation was estimated using logistic regression [...] insufficient information on interventions. There was considerable...
High-throughput <em>Plasmodium falciparum hrp2</em> and <em>hrp3 </em>gene deletion typing by digital PCR to monitor malaria rapid diagnostic test... (Publications)
Plasmodium falciparum malaria target the Histidine-Rich Proteins 2 and 3 (HRP2, HRP3). Deletions of the hrp2 and hrp3 genes result in false negative tests and are a threat for malaria control. A novel assay
Stakeholder perceptions on the deployment of multiple first-line therapies for uncomplicated malaria: a qualitative study in the health district of... (Publications)
BACKGROUND: In Burkina Faso, malaria remains the first cause of medical consultation and hospitalization in health centres. First-line case management of malaria in the country's health facilities is based [...] perspective of mitigating the emergence of artemisinin resistance, which is a serious threat to malaria control and elimination, a pilot programme using multiple first-line therapies (MFTs) [three art [...] in-depth interviews and 41 focus groups discussions, were conducted with key...