DrBetwel John Msugupakulya

I am a Research Scientist at the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) in Tanzania, with a strong focus on understanding and addressing the drivers of transmission of tropical diseases. My work combines field-based entomology, implementation research, operational research, and innovation in vector control to support malaria elimination efforts in endemic regions.

At IHI, I have built extensive experience in mosquito ecology and behavior, leading and contributing to projects that evaluate novel vector control tools and improve surveillance systems. My research has covered a wide range of topics, addressing key questions on vector resting, biting, mating, oviposition, and larval growth patterns. My work has also involved evaluating novel tools like attractive sugar baits and insecticide-treated eave ribbons, assessing housing improvement needs, identifying and addressing concerns for vector control, and optimizing mosquito trapping methods. This experience has allowed me to work across a broad range of ecological settings and intervention strategies, yielding actionable insights for vector control, as evidenced by my portfolio of peer-reviewed publications.

In addition to technical research, I am committed to capacity building across Africa. I’ve championed a multi-country initiative to strengthen malaria vector surveillance systems, producing practical training materials and supporting their adoption in Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and The Gambia. I also mentor students and facilitate workshops on entomological methods.

I remain deeply motivated by the goal of improving community health and contributing to collaborative, evidence-based solutions for the control and elimination of tropical diseases.