Epidemiology
Conducting homestead interviewsSince the inception of the programme epidemiological research has had a strong focus on malaria. This remains a major interest, both in Nairobi through the Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology group and in Kilifi where parasitological and clinical surveillance over twenty years provides a unique framework for understanding the current fall in transmission and concurrent epidemiological transition. More recently the work of a number of groups dorming the epidemiology cluster in Kilifi have exapnded around the linked systems of demographic and health facility surveillance. These activities have allowed us to describe the rates, patterns and trends of morbidity and mortality associated with a range of specific diseases. The scientific objectives of the group focus on three main themes: (1) the burden of bacterial diseases (with an emphasis on the pneumococcus) and the effects of vaccines; (2) the burden, epidemiology and control of common viral diseases (including respiratory syncitial virus and rotavirus); (3) and the burden and consequences of host genetic conditions. In addition, we have established a range of key strategic partnerships with networks that include GAVI, INDEPTH, PneumoCarr and MalariaGEN.