Vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue continue to pose significant public health challenges across Africa. Despite advancements in disease control, these illnesses remain a serious threat, requiring innovative and sustainable solutions. Dr Etienne Bilgo, a distinguished researcher from Burkina Faso, is pioneering novel approaches to tackle these diseases with the support of the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) programme.

Harnessing Science for Public Health Impact

Dr Bilgo is using his ARISE fellowship to focus his research on developing microbial-biotechnological solutions to control malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like dengue. His work primarily explores the use of the naturally occurring fungus Metarhizium pingshaense, which has shown significant potential in killing mosquitoes that transmit these deadly diseases. This innovative approach seeks to integrate fungal biocontrol methods with existing tools, such as insecticides, and emerging strategies like the Wolbachia bacteria, which can help reduce the spread of dengue.

Dr Bilgo’s research is not only groundbreaking but also deeply relevant to Africa’s public health landscape. Despite progress in malaria control, new strategies are essential to ensure long-term success. Moreover, dengue is emerging as an increasing threat in tropical regions, necessitating urgent and effective interventions. By focusing on locally adapted solutions, Dr Bilgo’s work ensures that the fight against vector-borne diseases is both scientifically effective and environmentally sustainable.

Training the Next Generation of African Scientists
Beyond research, the ARISE programme is strengthening scientific capacity across Africa. Initially designed to train two PhD students, Dr Bilgo’s project has already supported six PhD researchers and eight Master’s students in Medical Entomology, Molecular Biology, and Biosafety. This expansion reflects the immense impact of the ARISE fellowship, not only in advancing science but also in equipping a new generation of researchers with the skills and knowledge to tackle Africa’s health challenges.
By mentoring young African scientists, Dr Bilgo is creating a strong research network capable of sustaining scientific advancements in vector control. His leadership extends beyond academia—he actively collaborates with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that research outcomes align with community needs, fostering trust and acceptance of new mosquito control solutions.

Dr Etienne Bilgo's ARISE Project team

A Game-Changer in African Scientific Research
The ARISE programme, funded by the European Union and co-funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, is playing a pivotal role in empowering African scientists. For Dr Bilgo, it has provided a platform to expand his research, pioneer new mosquito control strategies, and train a network of experts dedicated to combating malaria and dengue on the continent.
With his research making significant strides in Burkina Faso, Dr Bilgo aims to scale up and refine these solutions, ensuring they are both scientifically effective and practical for real-world application. His goal is to bridge the gap between research and policy, ensuring that scientific discoveries translate into tangible public health solutions.

Looking Ahead: Transforming Research into Public Health Solutions
Dr Bilgo envisions a future where scientific innovations drive long-term health improvements across Africa. With a solid foundation built through the ARISE fellowship, he is committed to:

• Expanding interdisciplinary collaborations to strengthen disease control efforts.
• Engaging policymakers and funders to secure long-term support for innovative mosquito control solutions.
• Building a stronger network of African researchers tackling vector-borne diseases.

His work is a testament to how strategic investment in African research can yield transformative results, equipping the continent with homegrown solutions to its most pressing health challenges.
About Dr Etienne Bilgo
Dr Etienne Bilgo is a fellow of the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) programme and an Associate Research Fellow at the Joint Parasitology and Medical Entomology lab of l’Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS) and Centre Muraz in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. ARISE is an innovative research and innovation (R&I) support programme of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), implemented by the AAS in partnership with the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU) and the Carnegie Corporation of New York.