Female Excellence in Vector Control

Women are important stakeholders in efforts to combat vector-borne diseases. The Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA) established a women in vector control (WIVC) program and supports the active leadership and participation of women in vector control by organizing award ceremonies that recognize the work, achievements, and excellence of women who have contributed exceptionally to research and leadership in the control of vector-borne diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa.

We are thrilled to share that our own Regional Technical Advisor Sheila Ogoma Barasa is a winner of this year’s PAMCA WIVC Excellence award in the Mid-Career category. Sheila was recognized at a ceremony on Wednesday, at PAMCA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in Kigali, Rwanda. With 15 years of experience focusing on entomological surveillance and vector control product testing and evaluation, Sheila is constantly demonstrating why she deserves this award.

Sheila spent close to seven years at the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania studying and testing the mode of action and efficacy of vector control products including spatial repellents and indoor residual spraying insecticides. Even then, she demonstrated excellent leadership skills; she received a grant to expand her studies on spatial repellents, leading and mentoring a team of driven young researchers who have gone on to be excellent scientists with their own research grants. She went on to work with National Malaria Control Programs in southern Africa, Latin America, and the Greater Mekong Subregion, where she strengthened capacity within their entomology programs and mentored several people. In addition to serving in her present role with VectorLink, Sheila co-chairs the Expanding the Vector Control Toolbox work stream of the Roll Back Malaria Vector Control Working Group.

Congratulations Sheila! This award is well-deserved.