Ethiopia

Jimma University

Expertise

Jimma University aims to train competent and responsive professionals who can address the community's problems through innovative and practical means. It promotes the philosophy of Community-Based Education, with the ultimate aim of causing a palpable change in the community through both active community participation and intersectoral collaborations.

The Center for Molecular Biology and Neglected Tropical Disease Research of the Institute of Health is one of the core laboratories of Jimma University. Over the years the Center has developed expertise in the validation of assays, including traditional microscopic, immunologic and molecular assays to diagnose a variety of NTDs (e.g. soil-transmitted helminthiasis, schistosomiasis, taeniasis and giardiasis), assess the efficacy of anthelmintic drugs in pediatric populations and develop cost-saving strategies that monitor the progress of mass drug administration programs.

Currently, the Center continues validating of serological-based assays to assess exposure to roundworms in early childhood. In addition, it focusses on  developing health education learning packages on NTDs to be used in interventions and on validating tools for the detection of  NTDs in the environment.

Role in the project

Jimma University performs the different activities outlined in work package 1. In addition, it provides technical support to the countries involved in work package 2.

Team members

FLTR: Misgana Bogale, Takele Tafese, Zeleke Mekonnen, Bizuwork Sharo, Piet Cools, Mio Ayana, Yerosa Dinsa, Yesuf Seid, Daniel Dana and Tarikuwa Araya. Not on the picture: Fitsum Sintayehu, Mestawit Getachew, Abinet Muluneh and Hana Getachew

Main publications linked to the project

• Belew S et al., 2015.  Assessment of quality and efficacy of two albendazole brands against soil-transmitted helminths in school children in Jimma Town, Ethiopia.  PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 9:e0004057.

• Bekana T et al., 2015. Comparison of Kato-Katz thick-smear and McMaster egg counting method for the assessment of drug efficacy against soil-transmitted helminthiasis in school children in Jimma Town, Ethiopia. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 109:669–671.

• Suleman S et al., 2014. Quality of medicines commonly used in the treatment of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and Giardia in Ethiopia: a nationwide survey. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 8:e334.

• Mekonnen Z et al., 2013. Comparison of individual and pooled stool samples for the assessment of soil-transmitted helminth infection intensity and drug efficacy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 7:e2189.

• Mekonnen Z et al., 2013. Efficacy of different albendazole and mebendazole regimens against high-intensity Trichuris trichiura infections in school children, Jimma Town, Ethiopia.  Pathog Glob Health 107:207-209.

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