Employing (Home) Organisation: UCAD/CIGASS
Project title: Genomic tools for targeted malaria elimination in francophone West Africa
I am a Senegalese Senior Lecturer in Parasitology at UCAD/CIGASS, where I lead malaria molecular surveillance and genomic research. I focus on diagnostics, drug resistance and programme-relevant surveillance. Growing up in Senegal, I witnessed the consequences of malaria burden, which motivated me to pursue research that can improve care and policy in Africa. I was also deeply inspired by Prof Daouda Ndiaye, whose example as a scientist and mentor shaped my commitment to malaria research and public health.
Summary of Project Destination
Malaria elimination in francophone West Africa is threatened by emerging drug resistance. My future research will ask whether Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing, combined with epidemiological indicators, can predict where resistant Plasmodium falciparum lineages will spread next. I will build an early-warning system using genomic surveillance, routine programme data and district-level analytics. The goal is to help National Malaria Control Programmes detect resistance earlier, target interventions better and support evidence-based treatment policy across underserved francophone settings.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
I will undertake a three-month placement at MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM with Prof Alfred Amambua-Ngwa to strengthen Illumina, Nanopore and bioinformatics skills for malaria genomic surveillance. I will then transfer these methods to UCAD through local sequencing, staff training, dashboard development and grant preparation, with institutional support from UCAD/CIGASS to sustain the platform and expand it across francophone West Africa.
Quote
“This Fellowship will help turn malaria genomics into faster, locally led decisions for malaria control in francophone Africa. ”
Proposed start date of the Fellowship is August 2026