Dr. Derua is a Senior Research Officer at the National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Medical Research Centre. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Mosquito Larvae Ecology and Control from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, a Master of Molecular Biology from the University of Dar es Salaam, and a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania. His training and research experience cover broad areas of medical entomology and parasitology. Dr. Derua has 18-year track record in mosquito-borne diseases research, particularly on malaria and lymphatic filariasis vectors. He is experienced in research on mosquito ecology, behavior, systematics, and control interventions. Dr. Derua has participated in longitudinal monitoring of the effects of mass drug administration aimed at eliminating lymphatic filariasis by detecting filarial worms in humans and mosquito vectors. Some of his research on the impact of ivermectin on malaria vectors contributed to the development of a novel method for controlling malaria vectors using ivermectin. In collaboration with other researchers, he documented a longitudinal decline in malaria vectors and a shift in the composition of the Anopheles gambiae complex, from predominantly Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto in the past to Anopheles arabiensis in northeastern Tanzania. His work also revealed a change in filarial vectors from transmission by mainly Anopheles mosquitoes in the past to Culex quinquefasciatus. Dr. Derua has experience working with mosquito traps, repellents, bio-larvicides, and lures used for mosquito surveillance and control. He has supervised two master’s students and one doctoral thesis. Dr. Derua has published 33 papers as first and co-author in peer-reviewed international journals.

Contact details: yahaya.athumani@nimr.or.tz; phone +255784508697