PYRAPREG: Two PhD graduates achieve milestone in research

On 28 March 2025, a momentous occasion took place at the University of Amsterdam, where two dedicated PhD students, Dr Japhet Tshiongo from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Dr Moussa Djimdé from Mali, graduated after completing their research as part of the EDCTP2-funded project, PYRAPREG. Dr Montserrat Blázquez-Domingo, Senior Project Officer, represented EDCTP at the graduation.

Over the course of five years, these scholars engaged in rigorous academic research, benefitting from extensive training and mentorship provided by dedicated faculty members at the University of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam University Medical Center. Under the guidance of Dr Petra Mens and Dr Henk Schallig, Dr Tshiongo and Dr Djimdé developed their doctoral theses, which reflect their commitment to addressing important global health issues in malaria research. 

Dr Japhet Tshiongo’s thesis, titled “Malaria in Pregnancy: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Adverse Consequences of Infection in Early Childhood,” explored the multifaceted challenges posed by malaria during pregnancy and its implications for maternal and child health. This research highlighted that prevention strategies and diagnostic tools are essential for safeguarding the health of populations most in need. 

Dr Moussa Djimdé’s thesis, titled “Neutrophil Levels and Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy Efficacy in the Treatment of Plasmodium falciparum Infections in Vulnerable Populations in Mali,” explores the efficacy of treatment protocols in combating malaria. His findings can potentially enhance therapeutic strategies and improve health outcomes in at-risk populations.

The successful defence of their PhD theses marks not only a professional achievement for Dr Tshiongo and Dr Djimdé but also represents a notable contribution to the global fight against infectious diseases.