Correspondents

Akua Obenewaa Danquah Yirenkyi is a Senior Research Assistant at the Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Ghana. She specializes in evaluating insecticide-treated nets and focuses on insecticide resistance development and its implications for the effectiveness of vector control interventions.

Reporting at the 9th PAMCA Annual Conference and Exhibition was an eye-opening experience. Engaging with experts, discussing innovative research, and learning about new approaches to malaria control further fueled my passion for malaria research. I look forward to continuing these conversations while reporting at the WiM 2025 conference.

Awa Mariama Sene is a Data Science Intern at the National Agency of Statistics and Demography (ANSD), Senegal.

I am passionate about data and communication and deeply committed to using data science to promote public health and sustainable development in Africa. Joining the MESA Correspondents program is an exciting opportunity for me to contribute to the visibility of scientific advances and to connect with inspiring experts and peers across the continent.

Djelissa Sofia Fernandes Gomes de Pina is a Master’s student in Infectious and Tropical Diseases at Jean Piaget University of Cabo Verde and Laboratory Technician in the Genomic Sequencing and Bioinformatics Unit at the National Institute of Public Health, Cape Verde.

Malaria remains a major global health challenge, and understanding it requires interdisciplinary insights. With a background in molecular biology and genomic sequencing, I’m particularly interested in how genetic variability affects disease dynamics. The MESA correspondents program offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to the communication of scientific findings, engage with experts, and enhance my skills in making complex research accessible to a broader audience.

Djiby Sow is a Researcher specializing in parasitology and molecular biology at the International Research Training Center on Genomics and Health Surveillance (CIGASS), Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal. He has actively contributed to malaria research and diagnostics through both laboratory and field-based studies. His work includes coordinating molecular activities for the PARMA/PMI project and contributing to studies on Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance and gene deletion surveillance.

Volunteering as a MESA Correspondent would allow me to leverage my experience in scientific communication, while improving my ability to translate complex findings for a wider audience. I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to broaden access to cutting-edge malaria research and to engage with leading scientists and young researchers across Africa and beyond.

Flavia Kaduni Bawa is a PhD Candidate at the West Africa Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, under the NIHR Digital Diagnostics for African Health Systems fellowship. Her work aims to evaluate the potential of a host-response assay to
distinguish between bacteria, viruses, and malaria as causes of childhood febrile illness.

I believe to be a MESA Correspondent will be a great learning experience for me since this year, I decided to act on my passion for science communication by seeking out writing opportunities.

Geoffrey Githinji is a Research Fellow in Malaria Interventions Modelling at the Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis – University of Nairobi, Kenya.

As a MESA correspondent, I look forward to eagerly combining my epidemiological expertise and scientific writing skills to transform up to date research findings into accessible knowledge for broader audiences. I’m looking forward to the scientific communication skills mentorship and networking opportunities while platforming open access knowledge to inform policy decisions and practical implementation.

Rowartz Kevin Ogola is a public health professional with a background in community health, malaria programming, and epidemiology. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) with a focus on Epidemiology at Maseno University. Rowartz has extensive experience in malaria prevention, social behavior change, and strengthening community health systems. 

Through the MESA Correspondents Program, I look forward to documenting and sharing key insights that shape the fight against malaria, ensuring that evidence-based solutions reach communities most in need since I am passionate about bridging research and implementation to drive impactful malaria interventions.

Mamadou Samb Yade is the Bioinformatics Unit Manager for the Pathogen Culture Unit at the International Research Training Center on Genomics and Health Surveillance (CIGASS), Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal.

Being a MESA Correspondent will greatly enhance my visibility, linguistic abilities, and networking skills. It will also help me develop my report writing and learn from experts about the latest malaria innovations. It’s an honor to assist other people.

Nallapati Vishnu Teja is a PhD student in the Department of Infectious Diseases at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, MAHE, Manipal, Karnataka, India. His research focuses on understanding the malaria transmission dynamics, assessing the diagnostic performance of point-of-care diagnostic tools in early detection, and the molecular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance.

Serving as a MESA Correspondent will allow me to experience a range of scientific, professional, and personal development. I am excited to report on the talks from ICPvR 2025.

Priya Kumari is a PhD student at the National Institute of Malaria Research in New Delhi, India. Her research work/interest focuses on developing accessible, cost-effective solutions to enhance early detection and treatment, ensuring improved healthcare outcomes specializing in point-of-care testing (POCT) suitable for low- and middle-income countries.

I’m honored to be a MESA correspondent, where I’ll have a great opportunity to enhance my knowledge of the latest scientific advancements. This will refine my writing, communication, and networking skills. I am deeply grateful to the MESA team for providing me with this incredible role.