Two African research scientists have been appointed as the first ever Peter Piot Fellows focusing on epidemic preparedness and response.
The early career researchers Dr Doris Kemunto Nyamwaya and Dr Bosco Bekiita Agaba wiil carry out their fellowship in Uganda and The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine’s Centre for Epidemic Preparedness and Response.
The pair will benefit from mentoring by global health and pandemics expert and former LSHTM Director, Professor Peter Piot. In addition to the mentoring, the postdoctoral fellows can draw on multidisciplinary expertise from their supervisors and colleagues at the The Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit and Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Nyamwaya will explore how chikungunya, a virus transmitted by infected mosquitoes, spreads in Africa and its associated disease burden while Agaba will focus on strengthening malaria epidemic preparedness and response systems in Uganda including investigating what drives malaria epidemics and potential new emerging parasite pathogens.
The Peter Piot Fellowships for Global Health Innovation scheme was established in 2021 to foster the professional development of a new generation of specialists in key global health challenges of our time – epidemic preparedness and response, and planetary health – to mark Professor Piot’s tenure as LSHTM Director. It is supported by philanthropic donations from friends and supporters of LSHTM. The Fellowships cover costs including salary, accommodation and research budget.
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