This year marks a significant milestone for the Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project (BIMEP), with its 20th anniversary celebrated at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC. It was a privilege to be invited to attend this landmark event.
A Look Back at BIMEP’s Journey
The BIMEP project, initiated in 2003, has been at the forefront of malaria elimination efforts on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. Its comprehensive approach, combining vector control, surveillance, and community engagement, has led to significant reductions in malaria transmission and has been a model for similar initiatives globally. This 20th-anniversary event was a celebration of past successes and a commitment to the ongoing fight against malaria, reflecting on the lessons learned and the path forward.
Athrey’s Association with BIMEP
Athrey had the opportunity to work closely with BIMEP from 2010 to 2014 and then again since 2021. His work, focusing on vector biology and genetics, has contributed to a deeper understanding of the factors driving malaria transmission on Bioko Island. Currently, the Athrey lab assists with molecular surveillance of Anopheles vectors and Plasmodium positivity rates, which go towards calculating and tracking entomological inoculation rates.
TAMU’s Integral Partnership with BIMEP
Texas A&M University has been a cornerstone partner of the BIMEP since its early days, with Dr. Michel Slotman’s involvement laying the groundwork for a fruitful collaboration. TAMU’s contributions have spanned various aspects of the project, from vector control strategies to genetic studies of the malaria-carrying mosquito populations. The Athrey lab is proud to carry on this partnership.