Biography
I am a Research Fellow at the Afro Asia Institute of Strategic Studies within the Department of Medical Anthropology. My work centers on health and socio-cultural dynamics, exploring how veterinary health, livestock livelihoods, and community well-being are interconnected. I am dedicated to fostering international collaborations, such as with the International Veterinary Vaccinology Network, to support the development of effective vaccines and promote sustainable agricultural practices in low- and middle-income countries. Research interests
1. One Health Approaches: Exploring the interconnectedness of animal health, human health, and environmental factors in LMICs, emphasizing how vaccination strategies can improve overall community health.
2. Socio-Cultural Factors in Vaccine Acceptance: Investigating cultural beliefs, practices, and social dynamics that influence the acceptance and uptake of veterinary vaccines in diverse communities.
3. Community Engagement and Education: Developing strategies for effective communication and education around animal vaccination programs to enhance participation and compliance.
4. Policy and Implementation Strategies: Analyzing how social, economic, and political factors affect the deployment of veterinary vaccines and proposing culturally sensitive policies.
5. Gender and Equity in Veterinary Health: Studying gender roles and inequalities that impact access to veterinary services and participation in vaccination initiatives.
6. Ethnographic and Anthropological Perspectives:** Applying qualitative research methods to understand local perceptions of animal diseases and vaccination efforts, informing more effective intervention designs.
7. Impact of Vaccination on Livelihoods and Food Security: Assessing how vaccination programs influence local livelihoods, food security, and community resilience in LMIC settings.
Projects you're working on
1. Cultural and Social Determinants of Vaccine Acceptance in LMICs
Investigating how cultural beliefs, traditional practices, and social norms influence the acceptance and uptake of livestock vaccines among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. This project aims to inform culturally sensitive vaccination campaigns and improve coverage.
2. Community Engagement Strategies for Livestock Disease Control
Developing and testing community-based approaches to enhance awareness and trust in veterinary vaccines. This might include participatory workshops, local leader involvement, and integrating veterinary health messages into existing social structures.
3. Ethnographic Study of Livestock Management and Disease Transmission
Conducting in-depth ethnographic research to understand traditional livestock management practices and their impact on the spread of animal diseases. Findings could guide the design of more effective, context-specific vaccination strategies.
4. Gender Dynamics in Veterinary Healthcare and Livestock Management
Exploring the roles of women and men in livestock care and how gender-related factors affect access to vaccines and veterinary services. The goal would be to identify barriers faced by women and develop interventions to promote gender equity in animal health initiatives.
5. Assessment of Knowledge Gaps and Information Flows in Livestock Communities
Mapping how information about animal diseases and vaccines circulates within communities and identifying gaps or misconceptions. This project could support the development of targeted educational materials and communication channels.
6. Policy Advocacy for Integrating Social Anthropology into Veterinary Vaccinology
Working to influence policy frameworks to consider social and cultural factors in vaccine development and deployment, ensuring that vaccines are not only scientifically effective but also socially acceptable and accessible.
7. Leveraging Digital Platforms for Farmer Education and Vaccine Campaigns
Using mobile technology and social media to disseminate information, dispel myths, and promote vaccination programs, especially in remote or underserved areas.
Discipline
Cellular biology Epidemiology Virology Host species
Camels Pathogen
Viruses›Bovine viral diarrhoea Viruses›Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus Viruses›Foot-and-mouth disease virus