Dr. Yeromin Paul Mlacha is a Tanzanian vector biologist with nearly 15 years of experience in designing, implementing and managing vector control programmes. He was appointed Head of the Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences (EHES) Department at the Ifakara Health Institute, effective 1 November 2026.

His research focuses on understanding the ecology and control of mosquito vectors responsible for transmitting malaria and arboviral diseases, including dengue, chikungunya and Zika. His broader scientific interests span infectious diseases, environmental change and host–parasite interactions, with a strong emphasis on advancing evidence-based approaches to vector surveillance and control.

As a research scientist at the Ifakara Health Institute, Dr. Mlacha has played a key role in designing and implementing field-based research on mosquito populations and vector control in Tanzania. His experience includes leading field research teams, developing research protocols, overseeing quality data collection and verification, and conducting data analysis and visualisation.

His contributions extend beyond conventional vector surveillance to the development and evaluation of innovative vector-control approaches. These include interventions targeting the built environment, community-based vector control and behaviour change initiatives aimed at reducing human exposure to disease-transmitting mosquitoes.

He has also contributed to the evaluation and implementation of new vector-control products, including long-lasting insecticidal nets and repellents. His research has been supported by several major international development and research partners, including the United States Agency for International Development/President’s Malaria Initiative (USAID/PMI), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, UNITAID and the UK Department for International Development (DFID).

Dr. Mlacha's current research increasingly explores how emerging technologies and environmental factors can inform more effective approaches to preventing vector-borne diseases.

He leads a study investigating the risk of vector-borne diseases in urban Dar es Salaam using machine learning. The research examines how the built environment influences the distribution and transmission risks of vector-borne diseases, while identifying effective community-based responses for prevention and case management.

He also 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 seeks to strengthen entomological monitoring to inform effective malaria vector-control strategies in Tanzania.

A key focus is monitoring insecticide resistance and changes in malaria vector species composition, as well as enhancing the sensitivity of the National Malaria Control Programme’s entomological surveillance system to detect the invasive malaria vector Anopheles stephensi.

As Head of the Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Dr. Mlacha provides scientific and strategic leadership to advance the department's research agenda, strengthen research quality and innovation, and foster collaborations that address emerging environmental and public health challenges.

Through his experience in vector biology, field research, innovative interventions and collaborative research, Dr. Mlacha contributes to advancing the Institute's work in understanding and controlling vector-borne diseases and translating scientific evidence into practical public health solutions.