Researchers from Tanzania Visit MASHA for a Two-Week Research Exchange
At the Modelling and Simulation Hub, Africa (MASHA), we value collaboration and knowledge exchange as key drivers of African-led research. This was reflected with the recent visit of two researchers from the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Tanzania, Gloria Shirima and Brian Masanja.
Collaborative Research in Action
They visited MASHA for two weeks to expand their work on malaria vector modelling. During their stay, Gloria and Brian presented their work on the Ivermectin Data Exploration and Vector Control Optimization Model (VCOM). The presentation contributed to in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing on different modelling approaches and intervention evaluation with the team, as well as with Professor Sheetal Silal. This provided an environment for collaborative research development and to strengthen links between epidemiological modelling, climate data, and health economics.
“When I described how I approach research problems, Prof. Sheetal gently pointed out something I had never noticed about myself. I was always starting with the how and the what, never the why. It sounds simple, but it landed hard.” Brian Masanja
Beyond the formal research programme, Gloria and Brian participated in seminars, meetings, and networking activities that connected them with researchers and students across MASHA. These interactions fostered even further valuable exchanges of ideas and highlighted the importance of collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to tackling malaria and other infectious diseases.
Learning, Inspiration and New Perspectives
Gloria and Brian shared reflections on what they learned and experienced during their visit.
Gloria said: “Through presentations by MASHA team members, I gained a deeper appreciation of how climate intersects with infectious disease modelling and the very real health economics implications that come with it. Also, being able to present my own work and receive expert feedback was invaluable; the team helped me strengthen my models’ scientific view, particularly around disease transmission dynamics and the impact of seasonality.”
Brian expressed: “During my stay, I attended different presentations from the MASHA team, including the launch of the CLEAR-Africa project, which highlighted the importance of building African capacity in mathematical modelling and evidence-based decision-making.”
During their stay, both attended Professor Sheetal Silal's inaugural lecture. Gloria felt inspired by it, noting the importance of representation and leadership in science.
“As a woman working in modelling and policy, I left that hall feeling deeply inspired, a powerful reminder of the importance of representation in science and the real-world impact of the work we do.”
For Brian, it was the first time attending such an event, and he remembers it as a particularly memorable moment. He described it as an inspiring lesson in leadership, resilience, and scientific impact, reflecting on Professor Silal’s journey and the powerful question she posed: “If not us, who will?”. He reflected on the importance of asking why a research question matters before focusing on how to solve it. An approach that emerged through discussions with Professor Silal and the MASHA team.
“Sitting in the lecture hall at the University of Cape Town, I did not know what to expect, being my first time at the inaugural lecture of a Professor. I had come as a visiting researcher, a vector control specialist curious about how MASHA approaches the human side of the malaria equation. But Prof. Sheetal's inaugural lecture was indeed a lesson in effective storytelling. This experience reinforced my commitment to contributing to malaria research and public health across Africa”.
Strengthening African Research Partnership
The visit concluded with a farewell lunch attended by the visitors and members of the MASHA team. Both assured that the exchange was scientifically enriching and personally inspiring.
“I leave Cape Town with stronger models, expanded knowledge, new collaborators, and a renewed sense of purpose. I look forward to deepening this partnership.” Gloria Shirima
“I came to learn about malaria modelling. I left rethinking how I ask questions, what I need to learn next, and who I want to build with going forward.” Brian Masanja
This visit strengthened ties between MASHA and the Ifakara Health Institute, laying the groundwork for future collaborations in vector modelling, intervention optimization, and capacity building. Such exchanges are central to MASHA’s mission of advancing African-led research and developing solutions tailored to the continent’s public health challenges.