In December 2022, PI Athrey traveled to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, for the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meeting associated with the Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project (BIMEP). This event was a meeting of minds and a chance for us to deepen our understanding of the challenges and strides being made in the fight against malaria from different technical perspectives.
Engaging with BIMEP’s Technical Advisors and Team Members
The TAG 2022 event brought together all the technical advisors to BIMEP for several presentations (including Athrey) and discussions over two days. These sessions were aimed at BIMEP team members based in Equatorial Guinea and covered various topics related to malaria elimination efforts on Bioko Island. These discussions were invaluable, allowing us to share our research findings and learn from the diverse experiences of other advisors and team members.
Field Visits: A Hands-on Look at Malaria Elimination Efforts
One of the highlights of our trip was the opportunity to visit various sites critical to BIMEP’s operations. Observing larval surveillance and sampling efforts first-hand gave us a deeper appreciation for the meticulous work being done on the ground. Our visit to the Baney Lab and a nighttime Human Landing Catch site in Basakato del Oeste offered insights into the approaches and methodologies being employed in malaria research and vector monitoring.
Additionally, touring the health systems command center gave us a broader perspective on how data and analytics are being leveraged to inform public health decisions and strategies in Equatorial Guinea.