In this interactive, workshop style course, we explore the scientific and technological underpinnings of malaria, as well as the historical, political, social, and economic contexts. We use the avian model to follow every step of each of three methods for cause of malaria, Plasmodium sp. identification in blood samples. These are: microscopic observations, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and PCR molecular method.
The course consist of short lectures, students' one-page handouts, and main part is field and laboratory practices. In particular, students discuss topics such as: The biology of the malaria parasite, the mosquito vector, and the human host; The challenges of eradicating malaria in complex ecosystems; Scientific and technological approaches for malaria identification, control and elimination; Historical, political, social, and economic contexts of malaria control, elimination, and eradication efforts; How health systems effectively monitor and respond to malaria. All these topics allow to understand the complexity of the global efforts to control, eliminate, and eradicate Malaria disease.
Link to syllabus