The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo (seated third from right), and the project researchers during their workshop at Kisumu Hotel.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) researcher Prof. Maurice Omolo is spearheading a research project aimed at upscaling novel bio-rational products for controlling infections caused by the jigger flea (Tungiasis) in East Africa. This multi-disciplinary project, funded by Bio-Innovate Africa, includes other partners such as the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization’s (KALRO’s) Biotechnology Research Institute, Gulu University in Uganda, and A to Z in Tanzania. The team conducted an inception workshop on 8th to 10th September 2023 at the Kisumu Hotel to plan the project roll-out.
A section of the researchers following a presentation during the workshop.
Speaking during the workshop, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo noted that for impact, sensitization, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement will be as important as the scientific output of this project. “As a university, we are happy with such a multidisciplinary team formed purposely for research,” he said. Prof. Shibairo recounted how the jigger flea devastated many people's well-being during his youthful times and expressed concern that tungiasis still remained a significant problem among communities in Kenya in this 21st century.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Planning, Research and Innovation at MMUST, Prof. Charles Mutai, commended Prof. Omolo for leading in developing products that could change people's lives and actively attracting funds for this. “In Africa, we are endowed with a rich biodiversity. We must decide and forge our future in terms of health. As a university, we aspire to grow in research,” stated Prof. Mutai.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai and Dean- School of Natural Sciences, Dr Joseph Owino having a discussion during the workshop.
Prof. Richard Echodu from Gulu University in Uganda described the equally dire situation with jigger flea infections in his country noting that this project will undoubtedly contribute to reducing and ending this menace. “Our contribution is to get this product into the market. The current interventions are rudimentary, and that is why this intervention is timely,” said Prof. Echodu.
The jigger bio-rational product inventor/ Principal Leader, Prof. Maurice Omolo and the VC, Prof. Solomon Shibairo at the workshop
Dr. Michael Okal of A to Z Limited in Tanzania reiterated that Tungiasis disproportionately affects the low income and underserved communities. Successful developing and commercialising a low-cost and easy to use product will therefore not only improve health of targeted communities but also contribute to their economic growth. “We appreciate MMUST for this partnership and look forward to providing the expertise needed to optimize an affordable and effective product,” he added.
The Deputy Director of KALRO, Dr. Rosemary Bateta, assured the researchers that KALRO will support the project till the end. Additionally, Dr. Paul Mireji from KALRO’s Bio-Technology Research Institute (BioRI) stressed that improving the product according to customer’s experience will enable coming up with an optimized product for the market. Dr. Kennedy Ogola from the same institute noted that it is important to carry out market trials to determine customer needs.
Prof. Omolo appreciated the VC and the DVC for their sustained support. He was accompanied by other renowned research team members from MMUST including Prof. James Aggrey Oloo, Dr. Joseph Owino, Dr. Lydia Anyonje and the project’s Accounts Manager, CPA. Jared Rading.
By Linet Owuor and Dr. Lydia Anyonje
