Dr Grite Mwaijengo

Tanzania | Schistosomiasis (bilharzia), a neglected tropical disease (NTD), ranks second only to malaria in terms of prevalence and morbidity, posing a significant public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the World Health Organisation, over 251 million people across 78 countries are affected globally, with 90% of them residing in sub-Saharan Africa. Tanzania remains one of the countries most severely impacted, contributing an estimated 19 million cases. Chronic infections can result in severe health complications, including liver fibrosis, bladder cancer, infertility, stunted growth, and cognitive impairments, disproportionately affecting rural and underserved communities.

The UN's Preventing Global Vector Control Response 2017–2030 set ambitious targets to reduce the burden of vector-borne diseases such as schistosomiasis. Its objectives include drastically decreasing incidence and mortality rates and preventing further spread to new localities (WHO, 2017). However, despite ongoing control efforts, Tanzania remains particularly vulnerable due to environmental and socio-economic factors. Environmental dynamics, climate variability, and socio-economic conditions have a profound influence on the transmission and persistence of schistosomiasis. Climate change exacerbates these challenges by altering the conditions of freshwater ecosystems, thereby expanding habitats suitable for the intermediate snail hosts. In northeastern Tanzania, rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns have created favourable conditions for the proliferation of vector-borne diseases. These climatic shifts intensify vector-borne diseases, such as schistosomiasis, threatening community health and regional economies, including tourism. At the same time, human behaviours, beliefs and sanitation practices significantly shape exposure and infection risk. Current control strategies focus primarily on mass drug administration (MDA) of praziquantel among school-aged children. Nevertheless, schistosomiasis continues to (re-)emerge in many regions. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that MDA alone cannot achieve long-term control. Existing efforts often fail to address the underlying ecological conditions of aquatic ecosystems, the influence of climate variability, and the social determinants that shape disease transmission dynamics.

One critical yet frequently overlooked dimension of waterborne disease control is the ecological health of freshwater ecosystems, as indicated by water quality and biodiversity components. Areas with diminished species richness and degraded environmental conditions tend to be more susceptible to disease transmission. Therefore, mapping environmentally suitable areas for schistosomiasis transmission can facilitate the development of risk maps, which improve the precision and effectiveness of targeted interventions. In addition, limited awareness, cultural beliefs, poor sanitation, and risky water-use practices remain largely unaddressed, undermining the long-term effectiveness of schistosomiasis control programs. Studies have shown that integrating local knowledge, addressing health-related misconceptions, and promoting community engagement are crucial for effective disease prevention and control.

Dr Mwaijengo's research will incorporate ecohydrological and climatic factors, environmental risk mapping, and participatory community approaches within a One Health context. By identifying climate– and ecosystem-based risk factors and co-designing solutions with communities and local authorities, the project aims to strengthen the resilience of both human and ecological systems. Ultimately, this work will contribute to broader goals of climate-resilient public health and sustainable freshwater ecosystem management in sub-Saharan Africa. Relevant demographic, health, and climatic data will be sourced from national databases such as the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS), meteorological stations, and regional water boards.  These data will provide historical context and baseline indicators for schistosomiasis prevalence, water access, and climatic trends.

From the onset of the study and throughout project implementation, consultative meetings and participatory workshops will be conducted with key stakeholders, including local government authorities, health professionals, community leaders, and water resource managers, to ensure inclusiveness and contextual relevance of the study. Dr Mwaijengo will conduct field surveys and sampling in Lakes Manyara, Jipe, and Babati catchments. A multi-tiered dissemination approach will ensure the project's findings are effectively shared with local communities, policy actors, academic institutions, and international stakeholders. The strategy is designed to promote the uptake, validation, and impact of research outputs.

Dr Grite Nelson Mwaijengo is a Lecturer and Researcher in Eco-Hydrology at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tanzania. She holds a PhD in Biology (Eco-hydrology) from KU Leuven, Belgium, a Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering from Chongqing University, China, and a Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Environmental Science and Conservation from the University of Dar es Salaam. Her research focuses on freshwater ecosystem health, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience, utilising tools such as environmental DNA, GIS, remote sensing, and participatory methods. Her current research integrates eco-hydrology, climate change, and One Health approaches to address public health challenges amid accelerating environmental changes. She is the lead developer of Tanzania's first Freshwater Biodiversity Data Portal, has authored numerous scientific publications, and has received several competitive research grants from VLIR-UOS, GBIF/JRS, and TWAS. Dr Mwaijengo is an advisor to national and international organisations, including the African Centre for Aquatic Research and Education (ACARE).