KNUST Researchers Showcase Groundbreaking Malaria Research at Italia-Africa Scientific Meeting in Rome
The Laboratory for Infectious and Tropical Diseases (LITD), a collaborative research team advancing malaria elimination through parasite biology, immunity, vaccines, and therapeutics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology College of Health Sciences, has gained international recognition following its participation in the prestigious Dottorati di ricerca Italia-Africa initiative meeting held in Rome, Italy.
The initiative, a collaborative programme between the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Sapienza University of Rome, and several African institutions, is dedicated to fostering high-level research partnerships aimed at addressing critical global health challenges through scientific collaboration and innovation.
On May 12, 2026, the ISS hosted an international scientific meeting that brought together PhD candidates and researchers from Ghana, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Senegal to present the progress and impact of their ongoing research projects under the Italia-Africa doctoral initiative.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation by Mr. Eric Ebenezer Boham, a PhD student affiliated with the LITD research group at KNUST. His research project, titled “Unveiling Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte dynamics in asymptomatic malaria,” explores the role of the human bone marrow microenvironment as a hidden reservoir for malaria parasites. The study provides significant insights into malaria transmission biology and contributes to ongoing global efforts toward malaria elimination.
Mr. Boham’s presentation underscored the importance of understanding malaria parasite sequestration within human bone marrow and the implications this has for developing more effective malaria intervention strategies. His work also highlighted innovative approaches used to access and study human bone marrow for malaria research.
The scientific discussions were enriched by contributions from Dr. Bismarck Dinko, Research Group Leader at LITD and Ghanaian supervisor for Mr. Boham, alongside Dr. Francesco Silvestrini of ISS, who serves as the Italian supervisor for the project. Together, they emphasized the critical role of international scientific collaboration in advancing malaria research and strengthening research capacity across Africa and Europe.
The research forms part of a strong and growing partnership between the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, reflecting a shared commitment to tackling infectious diseases through cutting-edge research and global cooperation.
The event also convened distinguished institutional leaders and policymakers, including Rocco Bellantone, President of ISS, and Antonella Polimeni, Rector of Sapienza University of Rome. Representatives from the European Commission and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also participated in discussions focused on translating collaborative research initiatives into sustainable scientific diplomacy and long-term international partnerships.
The participation of LITD researchers at the high-level meeting further reinforces the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology College of Health Sciences’ growing global reputation in infectious disease research and its commitment to advancing innovative solutions for malaria elimination and improved global health outcomes.
