Sleeping sickness, also known as human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), is one of the most Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that has plagued human health in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to HAT, wasting diseases in animals (known as animal African trypanosomiasis, AAT) are the primary reason for lack of agricultural development, adequate nutrition and economic prosperity in tsetse-infested areas. There are no vaccines and efficacious drugs for parasite control in the mammalian host. In contrast, control of the tsetse fly populations can break the disease cycle. In this renewal application Yale University scientists will continue to work with the Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Center (TRC), World Health Organization designated Center of Excellence, to coordinate the capacity strengthening activities for HAT. TRC and Yale developed a strong program in Kenya and Uganda, which collaborates with Eastern Africa Network for Trypanosomes (EANETT), a consortium of the lead research institutions from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan and the recently co-opted institutions from Malawi, Angola and Congo where disease still prevails. The overall goal of this program is to strengthen the biomedical capacity in tsetse biology, and to acquire and implement the recent advances in applied vector genomics, genetics, bioinformatics and epidemiology in DEC research activities to enable and enhance the control/management tools and methods for HAT. It is now essential to continue the training activities that were initiated to ensure that the successes gained to date can be reinforced to achieve long-term sustainability of research programs working on tsetse biology and vector control in Africa. In this renewal application, we will continue to work to: 1) Develop biomedical expertise at TRC and their associates to address mechanisms of parasite transmission biology, genetics of vector competence, population biology and bioinformatics related to tsetse vectors and trypanosome parasites, as well as environmental and spatial analyses 2) Strengthen our collaborations with the laboratories in DECs affected by HAT and AAT to enable transfer of new technologies and tools relevant for control and to promote their integration into the on- going disease control programs to achieve sustainable control of HAT in the foreseeable future 3) Train a cadre of research experts/leaders who can address HAT epidemiology and vector control, and who will promote scientific evidence driven public health policy decisions in their country 4) Develop a community of researchers/mentors in DECs with strong knowledge in bioethics, good clinical and laboratory practice, biosafety, data management and research administration as well as strong publication skills and ethics
Research is needed to develop effective responses to Sleeping Sickness in sub- Saharan Africa. This grant will allow US scientists to build partnerships with their counterparts in Kenya to train young and emerging scientists to conduct meaningful research in Human and animal African trypanosomiasis related to tsetse fly biology. The program described in this application contains a mix of long-, medium-, and short- term training that will enhance research capacity and promote translational activities to increase the public health impact of the research.
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