Infectious Disease Management in Africa

Dr David Sirl has been awarded a grant from the London Mathematical Society to support his travel to Africa. In December, Dr Sirl will be presenting at the "Probabilistic Models in Epidemiology" Research School in Ziguinchor, Senegal. This summer-school type event aims to help establish local knowledge in the key area of infectious disease management in public health in Africa. The school is aimed at mathematicians (mainly, but not limited to, graduate students) from across Africa and will include short lecture courses from five international researchers as well as presentations of the attendees' own research.

Infectious diseases are a major concern throughout much of Africa, as particularly emphasised by the recent Ebola outbreak. Mathematical modelling of such outbreaks is a key tool in understanding and controlling emerging outbreaks and planning for and reducing the impact of possible future outbreaks. Spreading knowledge regarding the modelling of such diseases is a crucial part of the empowerment of African authorities to be better able to take charge of situations on the ground and planning for the future in their home countries/regions.