The Ifakara Health Institute took part in the 74th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), which took place from November 9–13, 2025, in Toronto, Canada. Several Ifakara scientists participated through oral and poster presentations and engaged with global colleagues to exchange ideas, share new findings, and strengthen collaborations.

As one of the world’s leading forums in tropical medicine and global health, the ASTMH Annual Meeting brings together researchers, practitioners, and policy experts from across the globe. Ifakara looks forward to sharing its research, learning from world-class experts, and contributing to discussions that drive progress in improving health across tropical regions.

Young scientists awarded
We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Ifakara young scientists at ASTMH! This recognition is given to individuals who independently conduct research and present their findings before a panel of judges, serving as the primary author and lead executor of the work.

Paul Mrosso received the Young Investigator Award (First Tier) for his groundbreaking research on improving the breeding of Anopheles funestus, one of Africa’s deadliest malaria mosquitoes. Through his research, Paul identified ways to improve the lighting conditions used in insectaries, significantly enhancing the breeding success of this mosquito species. This breakthrough opens new opportunities for malaria research, enabling scientists to better understand this high-risk vector.

Gloria Shirima, a young research scientist and mathematical modeller, received an Honourable Mention for the Young Investigator Award. Her work demonstrates exceptional promise in applying mathematical modelling to understand and predict disease transmission dynamics, contributing valuable insights for evidence-based interventions in global health.

“These awards are a powerful source of motivation. They reinforce my confidence and assure us that the work we are doing truly matters, both to the scientific community and to global health,” said Mrosso.

Head of the Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences (EHES) Department, Dr. Emmanuel Kaindoa remarked: “Congratulations to Mrosso who won the ASTMH Young investigator award 2025 (First tier mention), also congrats to Gloria for winning the award as Honorable mention.’

Equally inspiring is the recognition received by Ms. Jacqueline Mgaya, who won the American Committee of Medical Entomology (ACME) Young Investigator Travel Award for her groundbreaking work on mosquito aging and survival prediction. Her study shows that infrared spectroscopy combined with machine learning can reliably estimate the age and life expectancy of Anopheles mosquitoes raised under realistic environmental conditions. 

Ms. Mgaya said the award is both an honor and a responsibility, recognizing her team’s efforts while motivating her to bring the technology to frontline malaria control. She added that it reinforces her commitment to mentoring the next generation of African researchers and turning science into real-world impact

Ifakara’s world-class talent recognized 

Ifakara is proud to celebrate two remarkable milestones at ASTMH2025. Our former Director of Science, Prof. Fredros Okumu, now Professor of Vector Biology at the University of Glasgow, was awarded the prestigious Bailey K. Ashford Medal for his groundbreaking contributions to tropical medicine and vector biology. 

At the same time, Dr. Yeromin Mlacha, a dedicated research scientist at Ifakara, was selected for the highly competitive Mid-Career Leaders Program — a global initiative nurturing leadership and professional growth among mid-career scientists. These achievements underscore the talent, dedication, and international impact of Ifakara researchers in advancing science to improve health worldwide.

Ifakara scientist named ASTMH fellow

Ifakara is proud to celebrate Dr. Deus Ishengoma, who has been named a 2025 Fellow of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (FASTMH) — a prestigious recognition awarded to distinguished scientists for their exceptional contributions to tropical medicine and global health.

This recognition highlights Dr. Ishengoma’s long-standing commitment to malaria research and capacity building in Tanzania and beyond. His work continues to strengthen evidence-based interventions aimed at controlling and ultimately eliminating malaria.

Ifakara extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ishengoma on this well-deserved achievement — a testament to his dedication and impact on global health.

PhD student wins Kwiatkowski Fellowship

Ms. Catherine Bakari, a PhD student at Ifakara under the Malaria Molecular Surveillance in Mainland Tanzania Phase 2 (MSMT2) project—implemented in collaboration with NIMR, the Ministry of Health’s NMCP and funded by the Gates Foundation—has been awarded the 2025 Kwiatkowski Fellowship. 

Established in memory of Professor Dominic Kwiatkowski (1953–2023), the fellowship supports early- and mid-career researchers from malaria-endemic regions who are advancing malaria genomics. Recipients receive USD 20,000 to further their work, carrying forward Professor Kwiatkowski’s legacy of innovation and mentorship.

Reflecting on the award, Ms. Bakari said that she is deeply and profoundly honored to receive such a prestigious recognition, noting that it will significantly support the advancement of her career and research in tropical medicine. The fellowship not only commemorates Professor Kwiatkowski’s contribution to global health but also empowers scientists like Ms. Bakari to push the boundaries of malaria genomics where it matters most.