From 17th to 22th September 2023, the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases was massively represented at the 9th PAMCA Conference at Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. With more than 30 participants including 11 researchers, 17 PhD students, 2 Project managers and communicators. CRID researchers carried out several presentations and activities within which a symposium hosted by the ACoMVeC team.
The PAMCA Conference provided a valuable platform for researchers from CRID to showcase their work and achievements. It allowed them to gain valuable insights from international experts in the field of vector control research. Additionally, the conference offered an opportunity for researchers to stay updated on the latest cutting-edge research and advancements in the field. Attending the conference also facilitated connections with global experts and peers in vector control research, enabling fruitful collaborations and networking opportunities. Moreover, researchers had the chance to interact with potential funders, employers, collaborators, and mentors, which could open doors for future projects and career advancements. For Dr Daniel NGuete, a researcher at CRID, this conference served as a matchmaker, where he was thrilled to meet with members of the Pan African Vivax and Ovale Network (PAVON) who are equally working towards the elimination of non-Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites. Tessy Koko kulu, a PhD Student said “The reaction from the audience reassured me that my work was very interesting and can help solve some very important questions in vector control. My participation during this conference has undoubtedly increased my perception of a researcher’s responsibility in the fight against malaria especially in the aspect of carrying out quality research and dissemination of research findings. She delivered a presentation on the topic: “Designing mosquito Biomarker of Human Exposure to Plasmodium infected Anopheles Bites for Next Generation Malaria Surveillance”.
For many researchers at CRID, the PAMCA Conference 2023 proved to be a highly valuable and enriching experience. It provided them with the necessary tools and insights to excel in their research endeavors and achieve high-quality results that have the potential to save lives. As Ashu Fred, a PhD student from CRID, many are expecting to live another PAMCA experience next year.
