Who We Are
Establishment
TIDRC has been conceived and established in 2010 at Jimma University to undertake high-level research and training on tropical and infectious diseases in the context of local situation to better understand disease ecology and epidemiology, address the most serious health challenges and develop and design prevention and control strategies. It mostly focuses on community-based participatory research (CBPR) in health that equitably involves all partners in the research process. It begins with the research topic of importance to the community with the aim of combining knowledge and action to improve community health. TIDRC has 3 arms: Public Health, Biomedical and Clinical. The Centre is located at Sekoru district 233 km southwest of the capital, Addis Ababa and 102 km East of Jimma town.
Mission
To promote or advance tropical and infectious diseases training, research and services to attain better health, improve health equity and quality of life in Ethiopia and world-wide by discovering, developing and transferring new products and tools/technologies for disease surveillance, diagnosis and treatment.
Vision
The vision of TIDRC is to become a center of excellence in tropical and infectious diseases research and training by responding to the health needs of the nation, region, and beyond.
Strategy
- Research
- Training
- Service
- Innovation
- Collaboration
What We Do
It comprises:
- Research and Diagnostics Unit
- Vector Biology and Control Research Unit
- Cell/Tissue Culture Unit
- Administrative unit
Global Impact
Policy Brief
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Insecticide Resistance in Ethiopia (Led to change in vector control policy)
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Is Residual Transmission a Roadblock to Malaria Elimination in Ethiopia?
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Anopheles stephensi in Ethiopia: Findings for action
Media Brief
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‹‹የማ ናው ቃ ቸ ው ና በነፍሳት የሚተላለፉ አዳዲስ በሽታዎች እየመ ጡ ብን ነው›› 18 October 2017 Reporter
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Jimma University to become first institution in Ethiopia to carry out molecular entomology, September 23, 2013 (Africa IRS)
Strategy Development
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Insecticide Resistance Monitoring and Management Strategy
Scientific Publications/ Working Papers
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On Average —-28 publications per year
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Guideline for IVM and LLINs Evaluation
National, Regional and Global Representation/Presence
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VCWG FMoH (Member)
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TAC FMoH (Member)
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WHO/AFRO ANVR (Member)
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WHO Technical Consultation Group on Anopheles stephensi (Member)
CORE SERVICES
The Vector Biology and Control Unit in TIDRC will provide a range of professional and technical/commercial services (according to standard operating procedures and good laboratory practices), such as testing and evaluating novel vector control and supporting tools, which include but not limited to:
- Testing public health insecticide products/IRS products (novel formulations and active ingredients) in collaboration with the industry and research institutes
- Evaluating mosquito repellents and attractants
- Evaluating safety and efficacy of insecticide products for R &D and registration purpose
- Evaluating safety, quality and efficacy, integrity, utilization and acceptability of long- lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs)
- Determine level of active ingredients in insecticide treated surfaces and treated products such as LLINs
Evaluating vector surveillance tools
- Undertake bioassays according to WHOPES guidelines and US EPA product performance test guidelines
- Evaluating new diagnostic tools/kits for malaria and insect vectors
- Provide molecular characterization of vectors and infectious agents/disease pathogens
- Consultancy and Advisory
Community Engagement and Support
The Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center Bionde is engaged in various research and projects. In addition to its scientific endeavors, Bionde also actively supports the community.
One aspect of Bionde’s community engagement involves preserving the ecosystem. They provide beehives to farmers, promoting sustainable practices and contributing to biodiversity. Bionde also supports the spread of knowledge through educational initiatives.
To foster academic success, Bionde provides educational materials to young students. This support helps to enhance their learning and development.
RESEARCH AREAS
TIDRC aimed primarily but not exclusively undertake research on:
- Vector-borne and other infectious diseases
- Pathogen Detection and host-pathogen interaction
- Vector monitoring and surveillance system
- Vector Control tools/products/technologies
- Integrated vector management (IVM)
- Insecticide Resistance and its Management
- Host immunity and disease transmission
- Development and evaluation of tools for disease diagnosis
- Identification of candidate antigens
- Environment/Health Impact Assessment
- Malaria clinical trials
- Climate change and infectious diseases
- Emerging and Resurging infectious diseases
Capacity Building
The TIDRC plays a pivotal role in supporting the MSc and PhD programs in Tropical and Infectious Diseases at Jimma University, as well as postgraduate research in related fields. By hosting and providing resources for these academic endeavors, the TIDRC contributes to the development of highly skilled professionals in the field of tropical and infectious diseases.
In addition to its academic support, the TIDRC offers specialized training programs designed to equip researchers with the necessary skills for conducting field-based and laboratory entomological studies. These training courses cover a wide range of techniques, including vector surveillance and monitoring, insecticide susceptibility testing, cone bioassays, wall bioassays, microscopy, molecular, and immunological methods. By providing this tailored training, the TIDRC empowers researchers to conduct effective and reliable investigations into tropical and infectious diseases.
Our Collaboration Team
Research Staff
Dr. Eba Alemayehu
Dr. Teshome Degefa
Dr. Abdulhakim Abamecha
Dr. Endalew Zemene
Dr. Kassahun Eba
Our Student's Testimony
Mr. Ashenafi Demeke
MSc Candidate"The TIDRC, a prominent research center situated within Jimma University under the leadership of Professor Delenesaw Yewalaw, provided me with invaluable opportunities, particularly in the realm of qPCR at the Sokoru Research Center. Thanks to Professor Delenesaw's mentorship, I was fortunate enough to join his team in Sokoru. Prior to this experience, I had no exposure to qPCR. However, this opportunity allowed me to develop proficiency in performing various qPCR-related tasks. My time at TIDRC has significantly transformed me both personally and professionally. The research center boasts substantial capacity and potential, both in terms of its research capabilities and its laboratory resources."
Mr. Adane Eyasu
PhD CandidateThe Tropical and Infectious Disease Research Center (TIDRC) at Jimma University, located in Sekoru district, has significantly impacted my academic journey. I have benefited from the extensive research opportunities and the chance to work on critical health issues like malaria and neglected tropical diseases. The center's multidisciplinary approach and mentorship from leading experts have equipped me with the necessary skills to conduct research on the Bionomics of Anopheles stephensi as a PhD student. Notably, TIDRC has been recognized by the World Health Organization and the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association for its contributions to global health, further emphasizing its supportive and impactful environment. This experience has fostered a deep sense of purpose and commitment to improving global health through innovative solutions to combat infectious diseases.
Mr. Beka Raya
PhD candidate"As a molecular parasitologist studying how <em>Plasmodium vivax</em> parasites evade the immune system, I employ an integrative approach that combines transcriptomics, proteomics, and molecular biology methods to improve vaccine design and identify biomarkers for diagnostic kits. JU-TIDRC has been crucial to my career and academic development, providing essential resources and support for my research on <em>Plasmodium vivax</em> erythrocyte invasion and the humoral immune response in Duffy-negative Africans. The center's expertise has enhanced my theoretical and practical knowledge, while its state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative atmosphere have allowed me to grow alongside distinguished experts. The transformative mentorship at JU-TIDRC has helped me navigate the challenges of my research, and I am grateful to be part of such a dynamic community that has profoundly shaped my research approach, academic foundation, and perspective on global health"
TIDRC International Research Collaboration Network
TIDRC National Research Collaboration Network
