“Identifying and investigating vector-borne diseases to help control outbreaks”
University
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Area of Focus
Medical Parasitology and Entomology
Education
Hellen Koka is a PhD student in Medical Parasitology and Entomology at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya. She also holds an MSc in Medical Parasitology and Entomology from JKUAT, and a BSc in Botany and Zoology from the University of Nairobi. Hellen has more than 14 years of progressive experience in the research of infectious diseases such as Rift Valley Fever Virus, Dengue and Chikungunya.
Research & Work
Hellen’s long term research interests involve the investigation of vector-borne diseases, specifically, the testing of ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects to identify what viruses or bacteria they transmit. Transmission of these agents to humans occurs when the vectors bite a human or animal host and take a blood meal. Her research will contribute to the One Health strategy for disease control, which encourages the collaborative, cross-sectoral efforts of multiple disciplines – working locally, nationally, and globally – to achieve the best health for people, animals, and our environment. Hellen’s research will also help inform public health policies, and the Government of Kenya at large, on monitoring outbreaks of vector-borne diseases.
Publications:
