My contribution to science and its impact on society
At an earlier stage of career as a scientist, I was keen in advancing science by exploiting natural selection (differential exposure to malaria infection) to identify malaria resistance genes. This work was my first research publication (Journal of Human Genetics in 2007). I have continued to work with the same collaborators to understand how natural selection can be exploited to improve human health. The work has been published in the top best journals such as Nature 2014, 2016; Science 2015 etc). Knowing that research agenda in Africa needs more attention to killer diseases, I have devoted my attention to malaria infections and right now, we are working on implementation research focussed on elimination of malaria in unstable transmission areas. This will have huge impact in the society. The effort involves research collaborations, effective network, capacity building and engagement of key stakeholders. This is a model that may serve other research ventures. On the field of innovations, we are developing a termite harvester that will enable small scale farmers to feed their poultry and hence improve their economy and food security.