Basiliana Emidi
@nirm.or.tz
Principal Research Scientist/ Infectious Diseases department
National Institute for Medical Research, Tanzania
I have participated in the establishment and implementation of the National Malaria Entomological surveillance with the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) as a Vector Control Specialist in providing technical assistance to NMCP and research institutions in Tanzania. I have participated in a number of researches in mosquito vector ecology, mosquito insecticide resistance, malaria entomological and parasitological surveys. I have received several awards in research and academic careers, which include the “Mid-career Women in Vector Control Excellence Award for outstanding contributions and exemplary performance in the fight against vector borne diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022”, the “First Young Women Scientist Award” in 2011 and the “Mount Kilimanjaro Scientific Award” in 2011 and the “Ngorongoro Conservation Prize” in 2002. I have published over16 scientific papers. I am a member of several regional and national professional associations.
EDUCATION
I am a Principal Research Scientist in Medical Entomology working with the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), in Tanzania. I am currently pursuing my post-Doctoral research programme in Malaria vector behaviours with respect to new generation nets with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK in collaboration with the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Mwanza Centre, Tanzania. I hold a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Medical Entomology from the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo) in Moshi, Tanzania. I also holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Medical Entomology and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) (Hons) in Zoology, Wildlife Science and Conservation both from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Mosquito behavior, ecology and insecticide resistance
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Charles D. Mwalimu, Samson Kiware, Rosemary Nshama, Yahya Derua, Pendael Machafuko, Peter Gitanya, Winfred Mwafongo, Jubilate Bernard, Basiliana Emidi, Victor Mwingira,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background In 2015, Tanzania National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) established a longitudinal malaria vector entomological surveillance (MVES). The MVES is aimed at a periodical assessment of malaria vector composition and abundance, feeding and resting behaviours, and Plasmodium falciparum infection in different malaria epidemiological strata to guide the NMCP on the deployment of appropriate malaria vector interventions. This work details the dynamics of malaria vector composition and transmission in different malaria epidemiological strata. Methods The MVES was conducted from 32 sentinel district councils across the country. Mosquitoes were collected by the trained community members and supervised by the NMCP and research institutions. Three consecutive night catches (indoor collection with CDC light trap and indoor/outdoor collection using bucket traps) were conducted monthly in three different households selected randomly from two to three wards within each district council. Collected mosquitoes were sorted and morphologically identified in the field. Thereafter, the samples were sent to the laboratory for molecular characterization using qPCR for species identification and detection of P. falciparum infections (sporozoites). ELISA technique was deployed for blood meal analysis from samples of blood-fed mosquitoes to determine the blood meal indices (BMI). Results A total of 63,226 mosquitoes were collected in 32 district councils from January 2017 to December 2021. Out of which, 39,279 (62%), 20,983 (33%) and 2964 (5%) were morphologically identified as Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.), Anopheles funestus s.l., and as other Anopheles species, respectively. Out of 28,795 laboratory amplified mosquitoes, 13,645 (47%) were confirmed to be Anopheles arabiensis, 9904 (34%) as An. funestus sensu stricto (s.s.), and 5193 (19%) as An. gambiae s.s. The combined average entomological inoculation rates (EIR) were 0.46 (95% CI 0.028–0.928) for An. gambiae s.s., 0.836 (95% CI 0.138–1.559) for An. arabiensis, and 0.58 (95% CI 0.165–0.971) for An. funestus s.s. with variations across different malaria transmission strata. Anopheles funestus s.s. and An. arabiensis were predominant in the Lake and South-Eastern zones, respectively, mostly in high malaria transmission areas. Monthly mosquito densities displayed seasonal patterns, with two peaks following the rainy seasons, varying slightly across species and district councils. Conclusion Anopheles arabiensis remains the predominant vector species followed by An. funestus s.s. in the country. Therefore, strengthening integrated vector management including larval source management is recommended to address outdoor transmission by An. arabiensis to interrupt transmission particularly where EIR is greater than the required elimination threshold of less than one (< 1) to substantially reduce the prevalence of malaria infection.
Marceline F. Finda, Elijah O. Juma, Najat F. Kahamba, Rhosheen S. Mthawanji, Maganga Sambo, Basiliana Emidi, Susan Wiener, David O’Brochta, Michael Santos, Stephanie James,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Gene drive modified mosquitoes (GDMMs) have the potential to address Africa’s persistent malaria problem, but are still in early stages of development and testing. Continuous engagement of African stakeholders is crucial for successful evaluation and implementation of these technologies. The aim of this multi-country study was, therefore, to explore the insights and recommendations of key stakeholders across Africa on the potential of GDMMs for malaria control and elimination in the continent. Methods A concurrent mixed-methods study design was used, involving a structured survey administered to 180 stakeholders in 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, followed by 18 in-depth discussions with selected groups and individuals. Stakeholders were drawn from academia, research and regulatory institutions, government ministries of health and environment, media and advocacy groups. Thematic content analysis was used to identify key topics from the in-depth discussions, and descriptive analysis was done to summarize information from the survey data. Results Despite high levels of awareness of GDMMs among the stakeholders (76.7%), there was a relatively low-level of understanding of their key attributes and potential for malaria control (28.3%). When more information about GDMMs was provided to the stakeholders, they readily discussed their insights and concerns, and offered several recommendations to ensure successful research and implementation of the technology. These included: (i) increasing relevant technical expertise within Africa, (ii) generating local evidence on safety, applicability, and effectiveness of GDMMs, and (iii) developing country-specific regulations for safe and effective governance of GDMMs. A majority of the respondents (92.9%) stated that they would support field trials or implementation of GDMMs in their respective countries. This study also identified significant misconceptions regarding the phase of GDMM testing in Africa, as several participants incorrectly asserted that GDMMs were already present in Africa, either within laboratories or released into the field. Conclusion Incorporating views and recommendations of African stakeholders in the ongoing research and development of GDMMs is crucial for instilling stakeholder confidence on their potential application. These findings will enable improved planning for GDMMs in Africa as well as improved target product profiles for the technologies to maximize their potential for solving Africa’s enduring malaria challenge.
Marceline F. Finda, Nicola Christofides, Javier Lezaun, Brian Tarimo, Prosper Chaki, Ann H. Kelly, Ntuli Kapologwe, Paul Kazyoba, Basiliana Emidi, and Fredros O. Okumu
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Malaria control in Tanzania currently relies primarily on long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying, alongside effective case management and behaviour change communication. This study explored opinions of key stakeholders on the national progress towards malaria elimination, the potential of currently available vector control interventions in helping achieve elimination by 2030, and the need for alternative interventions that could be used to supplement malaria elimination efforts in Tanzania. Methods In this exploratory qualitative study, Focus group discussions were held with policy-makers, regulators, research scientists and community members. Malaria control interventions discussed were: (a) improved housing, (b) larval source management, (c) mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin to reduce vector densities, (d) release of modified mosquitoes, including genetically modified or irradiated mosquitoes, (e) targeted spraying of mosquito swarms, and (f) spatial repellents. Results Larval source management and spatial repellents were widely supported across all stakeholder groups, while insecticide-spraying of mosquito swarms was the least preferred. Support for MDA with ivermectin was high among policy makers, regulators and research scientists, but encountered opposition among community members, who instead expressed strong support for programmes to improve housing for poor people in high transmission areas. Policy makers, however, challenged the idea of government-supported housing improvement due to its perceived high costs. Techniques of mosquito modification, specifically those involving gene drives, were viewed positively by community members, policy makers and regulators, but encountered a high degree of scepticism among scientists. Overall, policy-makers, regulators and community members trusted scientists to provide appropriate advice for decision-making. Conclusion Stakeholder opinions regarding alternative malaria interventions were divergent except for larval source management and spatial repellents, for which there was universal support. MDA with ivermectin, housing improvement and modified mosquitoes were also widely supported, though each faced concerns from at least one stakeholder group. While policy-makers, regulators and community members all noted their reliance on scientists to make informed decisions, their reasoning on the benefits and disadvantages of specific interventions included factors beyond technical efficiency. This study suggests the need to encourage and strengthen dialogue between research scientists, policy makers, regulators and communities regarding new interventions.
Adela Budimu, Basiliana Emidi, Sixbert Mkumbaye, and Debora C. Kajeguka
Hindawi Limited
Background. Effective case management is a vital component of malaria control and elimination strategies. However, the level of adherence to the malaria diagnostic test and treatment guideline is not known, particularly at Meatu district. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the adherence, awareness, access, and use of standard diagnosis and treatment guidelines among healthcare workers in Meatu district. Method. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which enrolled a total of 196 healthcare workers in Meatu district. Healthcare workers were sampled purposively to reach the required sample size. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Results. Generally, 189 (96.4%) were aware of malaria treatment guidelines, while 148 (75.5%) had access and 98 (50.0%) used malaria treatment guidelines. One hundred and seven (54.6%) of all the healthcare workers adhered strictly to the diagnosis and national treatment guidelines. Ten (5.1%) partially adhered to the guideline when choosing antimalarials without confirmed malaria cases. Nonadherence to the prescription of recommended antimalarial drugs and laboratory confirmation was 79 (40.3%). Conclusion. Half of healthcare worker’s adhere to malaria diagnostic test and treatment guidelines. Most the healthcare workers are aware of the malaria diagnostic test and treatment guidelines. Continued education and assessment of the personal attitudes towards malaria diagnostic test and treatment guidelines are recommended.
Samwel Saringe, Debora C. Kajeguka, Dickson D. Kagirwa, Maseke R. Mgabo, and Basiliana Emidi
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Basiliana Emidi, William N. Kisinza, and Franklin W. Mosha
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Basiliana Emidi, William N. Kisinza, Bruno P. Mmbando, Robert Malima, and Franklin W. Mosha
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Robert Malima, Basiliana Emidi, Louisa A. Messenger, Richard M. Oxborough, Bernard Batengana, Wema Sudi, Sophie Weston, George Mtove, Joseph P. Mugasa, Franklin W. Mosha,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Basiliana Emidi, William N. Kisinza, Robert D. Kaaya, Robert Malima, and Franklin W. Mosha
African Journals Online (AJOL)
Background: There has been a rapid emergence in insecticide resistance among mosquito population to commonly used public health insecticides. This situation presents a challenge to chemicals that are currently used to control mosquitoes in sub-Saharan African. Furthermore, there is limited information on insecticide susceptibility status of human-biting mosquitoes in some areas of Tanzania. This study aimed to determine insecticide susceptibility status of human biting mosquitoes in a rural area of north-eastern Tanzania.Methods: The study was conducted in two villages in Muheza district, Tanzania. Insecticide susceptibility bioassays were performed according to the World Health Organization standard operating procedures on two to five-day old human biting mosquitoes. The mosquitoes of each species were exposed to four classes of insecticides commonly used for malaria vector control. Mosquito mortality rates (%) were determined after 24 hours post insecticide exposure.Results: Mosquito species tested were Anopheles gambiae s.l., An. funestus, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus species. Real-time PCR have showed that the main sibling species of An. gambiae complex and An. funestus group were An. gambiae s. s. (58.2%) and An. funestus s. s. (91.1%), respectively. All mosquitoes, except Ae. aegypti formosus were susceptible to pirimiphos-methyl (0.25%). An. gambiae s. l. was found to be resistant to permethrin (0.75%) but showed possibility of resistance to DDT (4%) and bendiocarb (0.1%). Our findings have shown that, An. funestus was fully susceptible to all insecticide tested.Conclusion: The present study has revealed different levels of insecticide susceptibility status to four classes of commonly used insecticides in the most common mosquito vectors of human diseases in north-eastern Tanzania. The findings of the present study call for integrated vector control interventions.
George Mtove, Joseph P. Mugasa, Louisa A. Messenger, Robert C. Malima, Peter Mangesho, Franklin Magogo, Mateusz Plucinski, Ramadhan Hashimu, Johnson Matowo, Donald Shepard,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Bilali Kabula, Patrick Tungu, Johnson Matowo, Jovin Kitau, Clement Mweya, Basiliana Emidi, Denis Masue, Calvin Sindato, Robert Malima, Jubilate Minja,et al.
Wiley
Objective The aim of the study was to monitor the insecticide susceptibility status of malaria vectors in 12 sentinel districts of Tanzania.
Yvonne Geissbühler, Khadija Kannady, Prosper Pius Chaki, Basiliana Emidi, Nicodem James Govella, Valeliana Mayagaya, Michael Kiama, Deo Mtasiwa, Hassan Mshinda, Steven William Lindsay,et al.
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Background Malaria control in Africa is most tractable in urban settlements yet most research has focused on rural settings. Elimination of malaria transmission from urban areas may require larval control strategies that complement adult mosquito control using insecticide-treated nets or houses, particularly where vectors feed outdoors. Methods and Findings Microbial larvicide (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti)) was applied weekly through programmatic, non-randomized community-based, but vertically managed, delivery systems in urban Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Continuous, randomized cluster sampling of malaria infection prevalence and non-random programmatic surveillance of entomological inoculation rate (EIR) respectively constituted the primary and secondary outcomes surveyed within a population of approximately 612,000 residents in 15 fully urban wards covering 55 km2. Bti application for one year in 3 of those wards (17 km2 with 128,000 residents) reduced crude annual transmission estimates (Relative EIR [95% Confidence Interval] = 0.683 [0.491–0.952], P = 0.024) but program effectiveness peaked between July and September (Relative EIR [CI] = 0.354 [0.193 to 0.650], P = 0.001) when 45% (9/20) of directly observed transmission events occurred. Larviciding reduced malaria infection risk among children ≤5 years of age (OR [CI] = 0.284 [0.101 to 0.801], P = 0.017) and provided protection at least as good as personal use of an insecticide treated net (OR [CI] = 0.764 [0.614–0.951], P = 0.016). Conclusions In this context, larviciding reduced malaria prevalence and complemented existing protection provided by insecticide-treated nets. Larviciding may represent a useful option for integrated vector management in Africa, particularly in its rapidly growing urban centres.
Yvonne Geissbühler, Prosper Chaki, Basiliana Emidi, Nicodemus J Govella, Rudolf Shirima, Valeliana Mayagaya, Deo Mtasiwa, Hassan Mshinda, Ulrike Fillinger, Steven W Lindsay,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC