Projecten
HEAL – Health, Environment and Livelihoods: Empowering local community members in Uganda to reduce disease vectors by invasive vegetation removal
The proposed project adopts a holistic approach to develop circular solutions aimed at improving human and environmental health as well as enhancing agricultural production and the local economy in schistosomiasis hotspots along Lake Albert in Uganda. As a fundamental principle, we recognize the importance of participatory and community-based approaches in the design and implementation of interventions to achieve long-term impact and success. Ultimately, we use the Citizen Science (CS) approach - the involvement of non-experts in scientific research and implementation - to innovatively reduce schistosomiasis transmission. Specifically, the project aims to respond to the following questions:
1. How does the manual removal of invasive aquatic vegetation affect snail populations, schistosome parasites and water quality?
2. Can invasive vegetation be sustainably repurposed into cattle feed or organic fertilizer to support local economies and improve food security, and how acceptable and economically feasible are these options to the local communities?
3. Can repurposing invasive vegetation improve the economic well-being of vulnerable communities and reduce the burden of waterborne diseases?
Hoofdonderzoeker:
Datum:
2025 2026Medewerkers:
Externe partners:
Dr. Julius Tumusiime from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), UgandaDr. Maxson Kenneth Anyolitho from Lira University (LU), Uganda