Health, Medicine, and Science
Archaeology in the Kalahari Desert
This project investigates the spread of domesticated livestock into the Lake Ngami area of the Kalahari in Botswana, focusing on the interaction between climate variation and the livestock’s arrival and dissemination. The project is an archaeological and paleoenvironmental study run by Larry Robbins.
Buruli Ulcer Disease in Ghana: The Role of Aquatic Insects in Transmission
Buruli Ulcer Disease in Ghana: The Role of Aquatic Insects in Transmission This project in Ghana investigates Buruli ulcer disease, common in West Africa and worldwide. It is the third most common type of mycobacterial disease after leprosy and TB that can cause skin ulcerations and deformities if left untreated.
Cerebral Malaria Project in Malawi
This project aims to better understand cerebral malaria and its effects on children. The research is conducted in Malawi and the U.S. and clinical trial sites have been developed in Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, Gabon, and Gambia. This project also supports University of Malawi College of Medicine graduates to receive specialty training in pathology and doctoral training in epidemiology and public health.
Chinkankata Epilepsy and Fever-Associated Study (ChEAFS)
Within the Chikankata Catchment area of Zambia, epilepsy rates substantially exceed expected rates. While it is unclear why epilepsy rates are so high in the area, one possibility may be due to the recurrent complex, febrile seizures experienced by the children in the region. This study is aimed at assessing whether febrile seizures among Zambian children predispose to later epilepsy.
Epilepsy in Southern Africa
This research project aims to understand the high incidence of epilepsy in Southern Africa and the social and economic consequences of the stigmatizing of adults with epilepsy. The project’s aim is to design community-based interventions to improve the lives of people with epilepsy.
Epilepsy-Associated Stigma in Zambia (EASZ)
Epilepsy has long been recognized as a stigmatizing disorder. Most people with epilepsy reside in the developing world, but little is known regarding the impact of epilepsy-associated stigma in this environment. In sub-Saharan Africa, traditional belief systems and lack of access to antiepileptic agents may worsen the burden of disease and stigma among people with epilepsy (PWE). This research attempts to understand the social and economic consequences of epilepsy in Zambia.
Landscape Ecology of Anopheles Mosquitoes
This project looks at the relationship between humans and their behavioral change related to the presence of Anopheles mosquitoes. This project is a collaborative effort with Kenyan colleagues.
Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis) Elimination Program
Since 2000, this project has begun to set up the health structures through which 3 billion people have been treated with anti-parasitic drugs for the treatment of lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis).
Mosquitos and Malaria in Eastern Africa
This project is researching the occurrence of epidemic, highland malaria in southwestern Uganda and Kenya. Additionally, the project studies the efficacy and sustainability of insecticide treated bed nets as a malaria intervention.
Research on large mammalian carnivores in Kenya
Dr. Kay Holekamp has been conducting research on large carnivores in Kenya since 1988, focusing on competition within and between carnivore species as this affects extinction risk, especially among lions and hyenas. Data are being collected in two Kenyan parks, Amboseli National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Study of Insecticide Treated Bed Nets
The purpose of this project is to understand how insecticide treated bed net function behaviorally, ecologically, and epidemiologically in sub Saharan Africa.
Training in Research Ethics with College of Medicine of the University of Malawi
This project aims to help develop a community of scholars of research ethics in Malawi, and also to develop an indigenous curriculum on research ethics that will attract Africa students to an academic career in bioethics.
