Prof. ELININGAYA KWEKA | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award
Research Professor of Catholic university of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania.
Eliningaya John Kweka is a distinguished Tanzanian scientist specializing in vector biology and pesticides trials. With a Ph.D. in Entomology and extensive postdoctoral research experience, Kweka has made significant contributions to malaria vector control and pesticide management. He has led multiple high-impact research projects funded by COSTECH, SIDA, and WOTRO, focusing on developing novel mosquito control tools. His leadership roles include chairing key committees at the Tropical Pesticides Research Institute (TPRI) and organizing major conferences on vector control. Kweka’s professional qualifications are complemented by his active membership in international scientific societies and his role as a research professor at the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences. His impactful work in policy development and research agenda-setting underscores his dedication to advancing public health in Tanzania and beyond. His achievements and leadership make him a notable candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Education
Eliningaya John Kweka has a distinguished educational background that underpins his extensive career in vector biology and pesticides trials. He earned a Ph.D. in Entomology from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College of Tumaini University in Tanzania, where he specialized in vector ecology. Prior to this, he completed a Master of Science in Parasitology and Entomology at the same institution, demonstrating a strong foundation in medical entomology. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry with Education from the University of Dar-es-salaam. Additionally, Kweka has pursued further specialization through postdoctoral training in plant pests and chemical ecology at the Swedish University of Agriculture and the National Institute for Medical Research. His educational qualifications are complemented by various certifications in strategic management, research protection, and leadership development, reflecting a commitment to both scientific and managerial excellence.
Eliningaya John Kweka boasts a distinguished career in vector biology and pesticide trials, underscored by his roles as Chairperson of the Resource Mobilization Committee and Pesticides Bioefficacy Section Manager at the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority. His leadership extends to significant positions such as Research Professor at The Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences and Principal Research Officer I at the Tropical Pesticides Research Institute. Kweka’s extensive experience includes postdoctoral research in plant pests and chemical ecology at the Swedish University of Agriculture and National Institute for Medical Research, leading high-impact research projects funded by COSTECH and SIDA. His contributions include organizing major conferences, shaping research agendas, and driving strategic initiatives. His active involvement in professional societies like the Pan African Mosquito Control Association highlights his influence in the field, showcasing a career marked by leadership, research excellence, and impactful contributions to public health.
Research Interest
Eliningaya John Kweka’s research interests primarily revolve around vector biology and the efficacy of pesticides in controlling vector-borne diseases. His work focuses on the ecology of malaria vectors and the development of novel, environmentally friendly mosquito control tools. Kweka’s research aims to understand the behavioral and ecological factors influencing vector populations, particularly in African highlands, to enhance vector control strategies. He investigates plant pests and chemical ecology to develop innovative pest management solutions, integrating both traditional and modern approaches. His interdisciplinary research often involves collaboration with international institutions, aiming to translate scientific findings into practical applications for public health. Through his extensive work in entomology and pesticides trials, Kweka seeks to contribute to global efforts in controlling vector-borne diseases and improving pest management practices, ultimately reducing the burden of diseases like malaria and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Eliningaya John Kweka possesses a diverse set of research skills that underscore his expertise in vector biology and pesticide trials. His proficiency in entomology and parasitology is evident from his extensive work in malaria vector research and chemical ecology. Kwekaâs postdoctoral training at prestigious institutions such as the Swedish University of Agriculture and the National Institute for Medical Research has refined his skills in plant pest management and the development of novel mosquito control tools. His role as a Principal Investigator in various research projects showcases his ability to design, conduct, and manage complex studies, often involving international collaboration. Kwekaâs expertise extends to strategic research planning, policy development, and effective dissemination of findings through organized conferences and meetings. His active membership in professional societies further highlights his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and his capability to engage with the global research community.
Eliningaya John Kweka has garnered significant recognition for his outstanding contributions to vector biology and pesticides management. His work has been acknowledged through prestigious awards, including the NIH grant D43TW001505 for his Ph.D. studies, and an appreciation letter from Addis Ababa University for his role as a PhD external examiner. Kweka’s excellence was further recognized with a Best MSc student Merit award in Medical Entomology and a Belgium Technical Co-operation Scholarship for his MSc studies. His commitment to advancing scientific research is also highlighted by the one-year Elsevier Journals free subscription award provided by Malaria World. These accolades underscore his dedication to addressing malaria and vector-borne diseases, and his influential role in shaping research and policy in Tanzania. His career is marked by both national and international recognition, reflecting his substantial impact on public health and scientific advancement.
Eliningaya John Kweka is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive research experience, leadership in scientific and organizational roles, and significant contributions to vector biology and pesticides management. His work in malaria vector control and policy development demonstrates a high level of impact and dedication to improving public health. However, enhancing his publication record, increasing international visibility, and exploring interdisciplinary research could further strengthen his candidacy.
Publication Top Notes
- Title: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices About Malaria and Its Control in Rural Northwest Tanzania
- Authors: HD Mazigo, E Obasy, W Mauka, P Manyiri, M Zinga, EJ Kweka, et al.
- Journal: Malaria Research and Treatment
- Year: 2010
- Citations: 228
- DOI: 10.1155/2010/794261
- Title: Feeding and Resting Behaviour of Malaria Vector, Anopheles arabiensis with Reference to Zooprophylaxis
- Authors: A Mahande, F Mosha, J Mahande, E Kweka
- Journal: Malaria Journal
- Year: 2007
- Citations: 215
- DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-6-1
- Title: Ethnobotanical Study of Some of Mosquito Repellent Plants in North-Eastern Tanzania
- Authors: EJ Kweka, F Mosha, A Lowassa, AM Mahande, J Kitau, J Matowo, et al.
- Journal: Malaria Journal
- Year: 2008
- Citations: 155
- DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-7-91
- Title: Recent Outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever in East Africa and the Middle East
- Authors: YE Himeidan, EJ Kweka, MM Mahgoub, EA El Rayah, JO Ouma
- Journal: Frontiers in Public Health
- Year: 2014
- Citations: 130
- DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2014.00169
- Title: Co-Infections with Plasmodium falciparum, Schistosoma mansoni and Intestinal Helminths Among Schoolchildren in Endemic Areas of Northwestern Tanzania
- Authors: HD Mazigo, R Waihenya, NJS Lwambo, LL Mnyone, AM Mahande, J Seni, et al.
- Journal: Parasites & Vectors
- Year: 2010
- Citations: 120
- DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-3-1
- Title: Anopheline Larval Habitats Seasonality and Species Distribution: A Prerequisite for Effective Targeted Larval Habitats Control Programmes
- Authors: EJ Kweka, G Zhou, S Munga, MC Lee, HE Atieli, M Nyindo, AK Githeko, et al.
- Journal: PLoS One
- Year: 2012
- Citations: 116
- DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052084
- Title: Predation Efficiency of Anopheles gambiae Larvae by Aquatic Predators in Western Kenya Highlands
- Authors: EJ Kweka, G Zhou, TM Gilbreath, Y Afrane, M Nyindo, AK Githeko, G Yan
- Journal: Parasites & Vectors
- Year: 2011
- Citations: 115
- DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-1
- Title: Bacterial Larvicides Used for Malaria Vector Control in Sub-Saharan Africa: Review of Their Effectiveness and Operational Feasibility
- Authors: YA Derua, EJ Kweka, WN Kisinza, AK Githeko, FW Mosha
- Journal: Parasites & Vectors
- Year: 2019
- Citations: 113
- DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3625-0
- Title: Occurrence of the Leucine-to-Phenylalanine Knockdown Resistance (kdr) Mutation in Anopheles arabiensis Populations in Tanzania, Detected by a Simplified High Throughput PCR Method
- Authors: MA Kulkarni, M Rowland, M Alifrangis, FW Mosha, J Matowo, R Malima, et al.
- Journal: Malaria Journal
- Year: 2006
- Citations: 112
- DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-5-33
- Title: Malaria in East African Highlands During the Past 30 Years: Impact of Environmental Changes
- Authors: YE Himeidan, EJ Kweka
- Journal: Frontiers in Physiology
- Year: 2012
- Citations: 106
- DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00315