The NeTroDis Research Group at the Centre for Research in Applied Biology and the Department of Biological Science at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) have welcomed Prof Frances Hawkes from the University of Greenwich in the UK.
Prof Hawkes is the lead of a research consortium, including Dr. Kenneth Bentum Otabil from UENR, as well as other investigators from the University of Greenwich, Imperial College London, Lancaster University in the UK and Sight Savers Benin.
The consortium has been awarded a grant of $894,834 to investigate “improved Simulium capture for onchocerciasis surveillance”. The project seeks to support vector biting rate modelling in onchocerciasis transmission models by providing more accurate and up-to-date field-derived data on variations in exposure driven by black fly biting, parity, and infection rates across different spatial scales. The project also aims to calibrate new blackfly sampling methods to give confidence in their uptake at programmatic levels to enhance elimination surveillance and Stop Mass Drug Administration (MDA) survey quality. The study will develop risk maps for the transmission of onchocerciasis, which will be made available to the Ghana Health Service to inform programmatic decisions.
As part of the project, a new Centre for Research in Neglected Tropical Diseases and One Health will be set up to train disease control officers from Ghana and Africa on vector biology, ecology, transmission dynamics, morphology, molecular techniques, and cytotaxonomy amongst others. It is expected that the setup of the Centre and the training programme will contribute significantly towards capacity building in disease vectors.
During the five-day stay, Prof Hawke led by Dr. Otabil paid a courtesy call to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako and other Management Members of the University. The Vice-Chancellor was pleased with the Project and affirmed Management’s support towards the successful execution of the Project.
Prof Hawkes will tour the proposed project site, laboratory facilities available, and study communities.
