NEWS

TAKeOFF Consortium Marks 10 Years of Research Impact, Calls for Stronger Partnerships

TAKeOFF Consortium has marked 10 years of collaborative research, capacity building and health interventions, with stakeholders calling for stronger partnerships to sustain gains in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

The milestone was commemorated at the Consortium’s 10th Annual Meeting at Coconut Grove in Cape Coast, bringing together researchers, academics, health professionals, policymakers, students and international partners to review a decade of achievements and discuss its future direction.

The Ghanaian Principal Investigator (PI), Professor Linda Batsa Debrah, described the 10-year milestone as a significant achievement built on years of research, collaboration, innovation and collective effort.

Full article on the KNUST website: TAKeOFF Consortium Marks 10 Years

Tanzania Starts Test and Treat to Accelerate Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis

The TAKeOFF Tanzania team at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) has officially begun implementing the test and treat study aimed at accelerating the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) infections. This was announced during a two-day training workshop for researchers and health-care providers from the Lindi and Mtwara regions on how to carry out the study protocol. The training, held in the conference hall of the Lindi Regional Commissioner’s Office, was formally opened by the Acting Regional Administrative Secretary of Lindi, Hon. Mwinjuma M. Mkungu. In his speech, he praised NIMR for leading health research in the country and for working closely with the Ministry of Health to design studies that aim to eradicate diseases that burden communities—especially neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). “NIMR is a key pillar in the health sector because it provides the scientific evidence needed to plan and implement effective interventions. This training is part of those efforts,” Hon. Mkungu said. Continue reading...

Prof. Alexander Debrah receives the Prestigious EDCTP Dr. Pascoal Mocumbi Prize award 2025

TAKeOFF Coordinator Prof. Alexander Yaw Debrah, a Professor of Parasitology and Global Health at KNUST, receives the Prestigious EDCTP Dr. Pascoal Mocumbi Prize award 2025 for his contributions to global health research and capacity development in Africa. The €50,000 prize was presented on the 15th of June 2025 at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda. The award recognises Prof. Debrah’s work in combating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and advancing clinical research and partnerships across Africa and Europe. Debrah, a professor of parasitology and global health at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, has led several clinical trials focused on diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and river blindness. His early research helped identify genetic links to conditions such as elephantiasis and hydrocele, and supported the use of low-cost antibiotics like doxycycline for treatment.

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The 2nd Podoconiosis Conference: From Neglect to Elimination with Country Ownership

The 2nd Podoconiosis Conference was held under the auspices of the International Conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases (InCORNTD) in Kigali, Rwanda. Under the theme "From Neglect to Elimination with Country Ownership," over 100 delegates from 14 countries convened. Participants included individuals affected by podoconiosis, researchers, implementers, people with lived experience and policymakers, all united in the shared goal of eliminating this neglected tropical disease (NTD). The conference aligned with the WHO NTD Roadmap, emphasizing the critical role of country ownership in driving progress towards elimination.

The 2nd Podoconiosis Conference was a resounding success, achieving high levels of attendee satisfaction. Participants expressed positive feedback regarding the informative research and implementation sessions, noting the clear objectives, appropriate duration, and balanced content. The panel discussion, focused on advocating for WHO recognition of podoconiosis and developing community-based strategies, was particularly well-received. Networking opportunities were also highly valued by attendees. Continue reading...