Research project: Descriptive Survey and Integrated Approach to Control Leishmaniasis in Marigat Sub- County, Baringo County

Anastasia is a DRIP PhD Fellow supervised by Dr. Maniania (icipe) and Prof. Dorcas Yole of The Technical University of Kenya(TUK). Anastasia is a young researcher whose interest is in Tropical Neglected Diseases and is currently working on “ A Descriptive survey and Integrated Approach to Control Leishmaniasis in Marigat Sub- county, Baringo County”.The study has two designs;  descriptive and experimental design. The descriptive design involves the description of the community’s knowledge, attitude, practices and beliefs in regard to leishmaniasis followed by public health education on the disease .The experimental design involves the upgrade of destitute housing as a measure to control transmission of the disease by reducing exposure to the infective bite of the vector. The second part involves the application of Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) in termite mounds. Two methods of application will be used; conidia in powder form will be applied using a modified foot pump and conidia in oil formulation will be sprayed using a knapsack sprayer. Sand flies will be trapped using a CDC light trap before and after treatment and observed for mycosis. Monitoring of fly densities will be followed for six months. Anastasia completed her undergraduate studies in B.ed Home science and Technology at Moi University Kenya, and obtained a MSc in Applied Parasitology from The University of Nairobi ,Kenya. She is currently registered for a PhD at The Technical University of Kenya (TUK), and is supported by a Hickey Family Foundation (HFF) through Daystar University and the National Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) Kenya. Anastasia is a member of the Teacher Service Commission of Kenya (TSC).