Justin Kumala

Dr. Justin Kumala, a CARTA Cohort 6 PhD graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand, currently serves as an Entomology Lecturer at the University of Malawi, where he leads academic instruction and research in medical entomology, with a focus on malaria vector control. With over 12 years of professional experience in laboratory and field-based entomological research, Dr. Kumala has established himself as a technical leader and public health advocate dedicated to improving malaria prevention strategies in Africa. Previously, Dr. Kumala was a Research Person at the Malaria Alert Centre under Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. In this role, he managed insectaries and laboratories, provided technical support to the Malawi National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), and conducted extensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of malaria control interventions, such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). His efforts directly contributed to critical policy changes, including Malawi's transition to biannual ITN distribution campaigns. He also designed and implemented field studies evaluating novel vector control tools and trained junior researchers, enhancing local capacity for entomological surveillance. Dr. Kumala's expertise extends beyond Malawi, having collaborations with NMCPs in countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and South Africa. As a PhD Person at the University of the Witwatersrand and Associate Researcher at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, he conducted research on insecticide resistance in malaria vectors and supported laboratory accreditation efforts. His fieldwork and molecular diagnostic studies have informed regional malaria control strategies and enriched regional knowledge of vector biology. In addition to his technical roles, Dr. Kumala has served as a consultant entomologist for projects exploring malaria transmission risks in irrigation and agricultural settings, delivering evidence-based recommendations to stakeholders. His academic background includes a Master's degree in Molecular Biology of Parasites and Disease Vectors from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and a PhD in Medical Entomology from the University of the Witwatersrand. Dr. Kumala's contributions to public health are complemented by his active engagement in professional organizations such as the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) and the Pan-Africa Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA). He brings exceptional communication skills and a deep understanding of low-resource, malaria-endemic settings to every project he undertakes.