MASHA at AMMnet South Africa Chapter launching
We are proud to share that three MASHA PhD candidates — Gladstone Madito, Hilja Eelu, and Sena Alohoutade — recently attended the launch of the AMMnet South Africa chapter, held at the Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, from 30 to 31 March, 2026.
The Applied Malaria Modeling Network (AMMnet) is a professional association for people interested in malaria data analytics and modelling, especially applied to practical problems. The event aimed to strengthen the understanding and application of mathematical modelling in malaria control in South Africa. It has brought together students, early-career researchers, academic experts, and stakeholders in public health and infectious disease modelling, fostering a multidisciplinary environment for learning and collaboration.
A highlight of the event was Gladstone’s plenary presentation. He reflected on his PhD journey and the critical role universities played in building capacity for malaria modelling. During the talk, he emphasized the importance of collaborative networks and institutional support. He presented research on weather-driven vector dynamics and the effectiveness of control strategies in light of the changing weather conditions. At the end, he explored policy implications, highlighting the need for robust modelling frameworks to inform policy decisions around the phasing out of DDT, while acknowledging inherent uncertainty in model projections.
Reflecting on the experience, Sena noted: “A key take-home message for me was the importance of strengthening collaboration between modelers and institutions such as the National Department of Health to ensure that research translates into policy and practice.”
Similarly, Hilja highlighted the networking aspect: “The event offered excellent networking opportunities, allowing us to engage and exchange ideas with researchers, practitioners, and fellow students.”
This event aimed to encourage the community to continue contributing to collaborative efforts that enhance the impact of mathematical modelling on malaria control.
From MASHA, we look forward to continuing to collaborate with the AMMnet South African chapter. You can find more information about their work on the AMMnet website.