simc@strathmore.edu 0703 034 000, Ext: 2359, 2112, 2115

Workshop Abstract

SIMC 2023

PLENARY SPEAKERS

Prof Anna Bershteyn, NYU, Grossman School of Medicine, U.S.A.

About Anna Bershteyn

Anna Bershteyn is an Assistant Professor of Population Health at New York University Grossman School of Medicine. She specializes in mathematical modeling of infectious disease transmission and interactions with non-communicable diseases.

Abstract for the Preconference schools session

In this manuscript-writing workshop, we will review step-by-step guidelines for scientific writing, considerations for journal selection, and strategies for navigating the editorial and peer review process. Participants are welcome to bring in-progress abstracts and papers for feedback. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a step-by-step action plan for planning, writing, submitting, and revising peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts

Abstract for the Plenary session

Mathematical modeling is an increasingly utilized method to support evidence-based public health and clinical decision-making. However, it is not always clear which types of models are fit-for-purpose. This plenary session will describe types of mathematical models, strategies for choosing a suitable model, methods for implementation and validation, and example applications to HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Moving from simple to complex, we will explore motivating examples when complex agent-based network transmission models are required to evaluate new technologies and policy options at the frontiers of HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.

Prof. Diego F Cuadros, University of Cincinnati

About Prof Diego Cuadros

Dr. Diego Cuadros is an Associate Professor of Digital Epidemiology at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Cuadros earned his Ph.D. degree in Biology at the University of Kentucky and holds a B.Sc. degree in Biology from the National University of Colombia.

Before joining UC in 2016, he served as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar and a Research Fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Dr. Cuadros is an epidemiologist with strong mathematical and computational skills specialized in quantitative epidemiology, particularly in the study of geospatial patterns of disease distribution, and pathogen-pathogen interactions.

He has an extensive experience in the study of the spatial epidemiology of communicable and noncommunicable diseases in different regions of the world, including Africa, Latin America, and North America. 

 

Epidemiology of COVID-19 in the U.S.: A geospatial modelling approach

Abstract: 

In this presentation, Dr. Cuadros will provide an overview of the epidemiology and health policy related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. with a focus on Ohio, an early public health leader in the US. He will also describe the creation of predictive models and linking these models to available healthcare resources using advanced geospatial mapping and mathematical modelling techniques.  

Title workshop:

GIS methods and applications in spatial epidemiology workshop.
 
Abstract:
In this workshop we will review the basic concepts and methods used in spatial epidemiology, with a focus in geographic information system (GIS) techniques. During the workshop, we will explore and analyze geospatial data using QGIS (https://www.qgis.org/en/site/), a free and open-source GIS software.

Ene I. Ette, BS Pharm (Hons), B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc., MBA, Ph.D., FCP, FCCP, FAAPS

Pharmacometrics: The Quantitative Science Undergirding Drug Development and Pharmacotherapy

Most of drug development continues expensive, time consuming, and inefficient, while pharmacotherapy often is practiced at suboptimal levels of performance. This trend has not waned despite the availability of massive amounts of drug data. Within these massive amounts of data (big data), knowledge that would improve drug development and pharmacotherapy lays hidden and undiscovered. A systematic application of pharmacometrics to drug development has the potential to significantly improve drug development and pharmacotherapy enabling the making of model-informed decisions to promote rational drug development and precision medicine. The presentation will focus on how pharmacometrics, through the use of mathematical models, enables knowledge extraction from drug development and pharmacotherapy data and the leveraging of such knowledge across different phases of drug development thereby aiding model-informed drug development and precision in pharmacotherapy.

Pharmacometrics Workshop

Pharmacometrics, which incorporates disease progression modelling, is a valuable tool in drug development and rational pharmacotherapy. This introductory workshop has been designed to provide the necessary information about the theory underlying the practice of pharmacometrics, and to provide foundational understanding of the tools required for pharmacometric analyses. Examples relevant to the local context will be presented and used to provide details of the practical application of pharmacometrics. The facilitators will provide examples from their experience in model-informed drug development. This workshop is relevant to students, scientists and managers in academia, industry and regulatory institutions.

Henri Tonnang,

Institution: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya.

Position Consultant- Principal Scientist & Head of Data Management Modellling  and Geo-information (DMMG) Unit

About Henri Tonnang

Henri primary role is to establish and manage a multi-disciplinary team of Agronomists, Biologists, and Epidemiologist to develop decision support tools for environmental management and improving health, agriculture, and livestock production and conduct climate change impact assessments. He provides leadership in connecting data science and digital research and concepts for high impact knowledge transfer and adoption. He is skillful in data wrangling, modelling and visualization, design thinking, system thinking and system dynamics and have worked for several international organizations, established various partnerships with national research and educational institutions across the globe. He has a solid educational foundation, holding a BSc and MSc in Physics, obtained in 1996 and 1998 respectively, an MSc in Control Engineering (2004) and a PhD in Applied Mathematics (2008). Beside Henri’s proven commitment to first class research, management, and innovation, he is an excellent team builder and has authored/co-authored over 140 peer-reviewed papers and products (105 journal articles, 25 book chapters, 4 mobile phone apps, 4 geospatial software and configured 6 platforms for data management workflow and repository).  He has actively mentored and supervised 100 international trainees (8 Postdoctoral; 9 Scientists, 15 PhD; 12 MSc, 1 BSc and 65 interns).

Téléphone (WhatsApp): +254725797240

Email: htonnang@icipe.org/htonnang@gmail.com

Climate Change and Planetary Health: Interconnectedness and Pathways for Action

Climate change poses a significant threat to planetary health, affecting ecological systems, human societies, and the global economy. The impacts of climate change are complex, with cascading effects on ecosystems, biodiversity, food security, water availability, and public health. The urgency of the climate crisis requires a comprehensive understanding of the linkages between climate change and planetary health and the identification of pathways for action. This presentation aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the interconnectedness between climate change and planetary health, highlighting the latest scientific evidence, and exploring the implications for policy and practice. We will discuss the health impacts of climate change, including the increase in extreme weather events, drought, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. We will also examine the impacts on the ecological systems, such as the loss of biodiversity, changes in land use, and agricultural soil acidification. In addition, we will highlight the key policy and practice pathways for addressing climate change and promoting planetary health. This will include strategies for adapting to climate change, promoting sustainable land use practices, protecting biodiversity, and building climate-resilient communities. We will also discuss the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement in achieving these goals. The presentation will conclude by highlighting the need for urgent and decisive action to address the climate crisis and promote planetary health. We will emphasize the importance of global cooperation, policy innovation, and community-led action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.