Jovin Kitau
Dar Es Salaam
Summary
Proven leader in malaria control and public health education, notably with WHO-Country Office, Tanzania, and KCMU College. Expert in strategic planning and report writing, achieving a 66% reduction in malaria transmission and securing over US$350 million in funding. Skilled in work coordination and fostering stakeholder engagement, with a track record of impactful research and academic contributions.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Officer, Malaria
WHO-Country Office, Tanzania
07.2019 - Current
Responsibilities:
Provided leadership in strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives for the malaria programme at the country office aimed at controlling malaria in Tanzania. Responsibilities also included capacity building and ensuring the integration of WHO guidelines into national health policies and contributed to policy development for effective malaria control.
Key achievements:
• Led partners and stakeholders in the planning and conduct of mid-term and end-term review of malaria strategic plans in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.
• Implemented a robust malaria vector entomological surveillance system (MVES) through MVES taskforce, improving data collection and reporting accuracy, leading to timely and targeted interventions and a 66% reduction in entomological inoculation rate.
• Facilitated the training of regional and district vector surveillance officers on the collection, field identification and storage of mosquito specimen, resulting in improved data quality 80% increase in report completeness and timely submission.
• Engaged with internal stakeholders through the LLIN Taskforce to facilitate the delivery of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and monitor mechanisms to track LLIN delivery systems nationwide.
• Generated regular reports to provide insights into the progress and effectiveness of LLIN distribution efforts, informing and enabling timely adjustments and improvements.
• Led the development and dissemination of national malaria strategic plans, providing technical guidance to stakeholders and development partners in the fight against malaria in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. • Collaborated with the research institutions and academia to conduct a study on a community-based reactive surveillance and response strategy called the 1,7-malaria Reactive Community-based Testing and Response (1,7-mRCTR) that was associated with a 4.5-percentage-point decrease in malaria prevalence.
• Collaborated with in-country research institutions and academia to implement a robust antimalarial surveillance system through therapeutic efficacy studies, contributing valuable data that informs malaria treatment policy in Tanzania.
• Collaborated with the MoH, partners, and stakeholders to mobilize resources for malaria leading to securing more than US$350 million for malaria programming from the Global Fund to Fight, AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.
• Contributed to the establishment of malaria case-based surveillance (mCBS) in very-low malaria risk regions to fast-track sub national elimination in Tanzania resulting to 4000 inhabitants in Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Manyara receiving malaria-related services under the CBS framework.
Senior Lecturer
KCMU College
01.2018 - 06.2019
Responsibilities:
As a Senior Lecturer in Public Health at KCMU Co, shouldered a diverse array of responsibilities connected to health education, research, and academic leadership. My key responsibilities included delivering lectures tutorials, seminars, and practicals for undergraduate programs on various public health topics, as well as guiding scholars through Master's and PhD programs, conducting public health research, offering consultancy services, engaging in community outreach, and spearheading innovation, designing and updating course curricula and producing teaching materials and methodologies, and organizing and participate in workshops, conferences, and symposia, contributing to the vibrant academic community and fostering collaboration and knowledge dissemination.
Key achievements:
• Revitalized educational landscapes by crafting engaging lessons and assessment modalities for diverse undergraduate programs in Medicine, Health Laboratory Sciences, Nursing, and Optometry. Pioneered the teaching and assessment of subjects like Medical Parasitology and Entomology, leaving an indelible mark on the academic experience.
• Coordinated student assessments for the Department of Parasitology and Entomology, showcasing commitment to academic excellence.
• Pioneered the development and tutoring of a highly successful MOOC on Tropical Parasitology in collaboration with Duke University, with over 21,950 learners enrolled to date.
• Took part in curriculum development and review for Doctor of Medicine, Health Laboratory Sciences, Nursing, and postgraduate programs, shaping academic trajectories.
• Headed the Quality Assurance Unit, crafting policy and implementing strategic measures to address external evaluation recommendations.
• Designed and supervised impactful studies on vector control, insecticides, insecticide-impregnated products, and mosquito behavior. Co-authored over 5 publications and presented findings at local and international conferences, contributing significantly to the scientific community.
• Played a key role in successful grant writing, securing £75,000 for career development in through a PhD under the Malaria Capacity Development Consortium (MCDC).
Dep Test Facility Manager/Entomology Technical Adv
PAMVERC
10.2015 - 06.2019
Responsibilities:
Provided technical oversight and leadership in the conduct of research; provided technical guidance and advice related to the field, and laboratory product testing and research activities; participated in proposal writing to generate funds for implementation of activities. Deputized for (in the absence of) the facility manager in administrative activities of the site including authorization and signing for the release of funds, and handle meetings and staff-related issues as appropriate.
Key achievements:
• Led a team of 47 staff under PAMVERC Moshi site
• Successfully led end-to-end research activities, authored/co-authored 15+ articles on vector control in peer-reviewed journals, elevating PAMVERC Moshi's visibility and showcasing expertise in the field.
• Represented PAMVERC Moshi at key meetings and conferences, contributing to the site's prominence in the research community.
• Played key role in grants application securing over £500,000 in core funding from IVCC and additional grants totalling to £24,392 for critical malaria studies and research endeavors from Welcome-Trust through Malaria Capacity Development Consortium (MCDC) and £56,090 from Training Health Researchers into Vocational Excellence in East Africa (THRiVE), being postdoctoral fellowship for study on pyrethroid impregnated blankets for control of malaria in humanitarian emergency situations.
• Acted as a deputy to the facility manager, assuming responsibilities in the absence of a facility manager. Authorized and signed off on fund releases, ensuring smooth financial operations.
• Managed meetings and addressed staff-related issues effectively, fostering a conducive work environment and maintaining operational continuity.
Lecturer
KCMU College
01.2013 - 12.2017
Responsibilities:
Conducted lectures, tutorials, seminars and practicals for undergraduate (Medicine, health laboratory sciences nursing) and Master programmes; carried out research, consultancy, and innovation activities related to public health;
mentor junior staff in all relevant matters; participated in administrative duties for the institution including curriculum development and production of teaching materials and methodologies; participated in developing and managing Institution’s projects; carrying out community/outreach services; supervise Bachelors’ and Masters’ student projects; organize and participate in workshops, conferences and symposia.
Key achievements:
• Actively engaged in instructing and evaluating subjects related to Medical Parasitology and Entomology across various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Coordinated the Departmental assessment of undergraduate students at the College.
• Contributed to the development and review of curriculums for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science in Health Laboratory Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Msc Medical Parasitology and Entomology, Master of Public Health, and MSc Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics.
• Played a key role in designing studies, overseeing data collection, and participating in the analysis of research studies. Authored and co-authored over 10 publications and delivered presentations at both local and international conferences to disseminate research findings.
• Contributed support to education provision and vector control response activities in flooded areas, specifically in Kileo and Lower Moshi villages in Moshi Rural and Mwanga districts within the Kilimanjaro region. Additionally, provided guidance in study design and supervised the research endeavors of 7 undergraduate and 3 master's students.
Research Scientist
PAMVERC KCMU College
01.2007 - 12.2015
Responsibilities:
Lead and participate in scientific research projects, designing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results; prepare research manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, write grant proposals to secure funding for research projects, outlining objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes; communicate research findings to various stakeholders, including peers, collaborators, funding agencies, and the broader scientific community, through presentations, reports, and publications.
Key achievements:
• Actively engaged in instructing and evaluating subjects related to Medical Parasitology and Entomology across various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Successfully participated in the design and execution to completion of experiments for scientific research projects of candidate active ingredients for mosquito control including pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic-CS), chlorfenapyr, and indoxacarb (oxadiazine) leading to publications in peer review journals.
• Successfully authored and co-authored over 10 publications from research projects on different AIs for vector control products and IRS.
• Presented findings at national and international conferences including November 11-15, 2012- Atlanta; November 2-6, 2014- New Orleans.
• Participated in grants application securing over £100,000 in funding from IVCC and manufacturers for vector control product evaluation.
Education
No Degree - Post-doctoral Fellow
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College
Moshi, Kilimanjaro05.2019
Ph.D. - Malaria Vector Control
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College
Moshi, Kilimanjaro11.2015
Master of Science - Medical Parasitology, Entomology
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College
Moshi, Kilimanjaro11.2007
Bachelor of Science - Zoology, Wildlife Science
University of Dar Es Salaam
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania11.2005
Skills
- Work Coordination
- Strategic Planning
- Report Preparation
- Report Writing
Accomplishments
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
1. Mwalimu, C.D., Kiware, S., Nshama, R., Derua, Y., Machafuko, P., Mwingira, V., Githu, V., Masanja, B., Mlacha, Y., Tungu, P., Kabula, B., Sambu, E., Batengana, B., Matowo, J., Govella, N., Chaki, P., Lazaro, S., Serbantez, N., Kitau, J., Magesa, S., Kisinza, W. (2024) Dynamics of malaria vector composition and Plasmodium falciparum infection in mainland Tanzania: 2017–2021 data from the national malaria vector entomological surveillance. Malaria Journal 23, 29. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-024-04849-7 2. Chang W, Cohen J, Wang D, Abdulla S, Mahende MK, Gavana T, Scott V, Msuya HM, Mwanyika-Sando M, Njau RJA, Lu S, Temu S, Masanja H, Anthony W, Weldedawit MA, Sunder N, Kun T, Bruxvoort K, Kitau J, Kihwele F, Chila G, Michael M, Castro M, Menzies NA, Kim S, Ning X, Zhou X, Chaki P, Mlacha YP (2023) Impact of 1, 7-malaria reactive community-based testing and response (1, 7-mRCTR) approach on malaria prevalence in Tanzania. Infectious Diseases of Poverty 12(1)116 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-023-01166-0 3. Ali MH, Kitau J, Ali AS, Al-Mafazy A, Tegegne SG, Ussi O, Musanhu C, Shija SJ, Khatib BO, Mkali H, Mkude S, Makenga G, Kasagama E, Molteni F, Kisoka N, Kitojo C, Serbantez N, Reaves E, Yoti Z (2023) Where next, malaria elimination in Zanzibar. The Pan African Medical Journal 45 (7) doi: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2023.45.1.39804 4. Azizi S, Martin J, Mbewe NJ, Msapalla A, Mwacha S, Joram A, Mawa B, Kaaya RD, Kitau J, Mosha F, Matowo J, Protopopoff N (2023) Evaluation of Durability as a Function of Fabric Strength and Residual Bio-Efficacy for the Olyset Plus and Interceptor G2 LLINs after 3 Years of Field Use in Tanzania. Trop Med Int Dis 8(8) 379. DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8080379 5. Azizi S, Matowo J, Mbewe NJ, Protopopoff N, Athumani R, Matiku W, Shayo M, Tenu F, Rowland M, Mosha F, Kitau J (2022) Laboratory and semi-field efficacy evaluation of permethrin–piperonyl butoxide treated blankets against pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors. Scientific Reports 12(1) 22166. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26804-9 6. Green N, Agossa F, Yovogan B, Oxborough R, Kitau J, Müller P, Constant E, Rowland M, Tchacaya E.F.S, Benjamin K.G, Churcher T.S, Betancourt M, Sherrard-Smith E. (2022) An evidence synthesis approach for combining different data sources illustrated using entomological efficacy of insecticides for indoor residual spraying. PLoSOne. 17(3):e0263446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263446 7. Saleh F, Kitau J, Konradsen F, Mboera L.E.G, Schiøler K.L. (2021) Emerging epidemics: is the Zanzibar healthcare system ready to detect and respond to mosquito-borne viral diseases? BMC Health Serv Res. 21: 866. DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06867-6 8. Saleh F, Kitau J, Konradsen F, Mboera L.E.G, Schiøler K.L. (2021) Assessment of the core and support functions of the integrated disease surveillance and response system in Zanzibar, Tanzania. BMC Public Health; 21:748. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10758-0 9. Saleh F, Kitau J, Konradsen F, Kampango A, Abassi R, Schiøler KL. (2020) Epidemic risk of arboviral diseases: Determining the habitats, spatial-temporal distribution, and abundance of immature Aedes aegypti in the Urban and Rural areas of Zanzibar, Tanzania. PLoS Negl Trop Dis;14(12): e0008949. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008949 10. Ng’ida FD, Kotoroi GL, Mwangi R, Mabelele MM, Kitau J, Mahande MJ. Knowledge and practices on breast cancer detection and associated challenges among women aged 35 years and above in Tanzania: a case in Morogoro Rural District. Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy 11:191–197. DOI: 10.2147/BCTT.S199889 11. Kweyamba PA, Zofou D, Efange N, Assob JN, Kitau J, Nyindo M. (2019) In vitro and in vivo studies on anti-malarial activity of Commiphora africana and Dichrostachys cinerea used by the Maasai in Arusha region, Tanzania. Malaria Journal, 18(1):119. DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2752-8 12. Saleh F, Kitau J, Konradsen F, Alifrangis M, Lin C, Juma S, Mchenga SS, Saadaty T, Schiøler KL. (2018) Habitat characteristics for immature stages of Aedes aegypti in Zanzibar City, Tanzania. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 34(3):190–200. DOI: 10.2987/17-6709.1 13. Oxborough RM, Kitau J, Mosha FW, Rowland MW. (2015) Modified veranda-trap hut for improved evaluation of vector control interventions. Medical and Veterinary Entomology DOI: 10.1111/mve.12123 14. Oxborough RM, N'Guessan R, Kitau J, Tungu PK, Malone D, Mosha FW, Rowland MW. (2015) A new class of insecticide for malaria vector control: evaluation of mosquito nets treated singly with indoxacarb (oxadiazine) or with a pyrethroid mixture against Anopheles gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus. Malaria Journal. 14:353. DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0890-1 15. Oxborough RM, N’Guessan R, Jones R, Kitau J, Ngufor C, Malone D, Mosha FW, Rowland MW. (2015) The activity of the pyrrole insecticide chlorfenapyr in mosquito bioassay: towards a more rational testing and screening of non-neurotoxic insecticides for malaria vector control. Malaria Journal 14:124. DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0639-x 16. Matowo J, Kitau J, Kaaya R, Kavishe R, Wright A, Kisinza W, Kleinschmidt I, Mosha F, Rowland M, and Protopopoff N. (2014) Trends in the selection of insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l in north-western Tanzania during a community randomised trial of long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying. Medical and Veterinary Entomology 29: 51-59. DOI: 10.1111/mve.12090 17. Oxborough RM, Kitau J, Jones R, Mosha FW, Rowland MW. (2014) Experimental hut and bioassay evaluation of the residual activity of a polymer-enhanced suspension concentrate (SC-PE) formulation of deltamethrin for IRS use in the control of Anopheles arabiensis. Parasites & Vectors, 7:454. DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0454-1 18. Kitau J, Oxborough R, Matowo J, Mosha F, Magesa SM, Rowland M. (2014) Indoor residual spraying with microencapsulated DEET repellent (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) for control of Anopheles arabiensis and Culex quinquefasciatus. Parasite & Vectors, 7:446. DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-446.
19. Kitau J, Oxborough R, Kaye A, Chen-Hussey V, Isaacs E, Matowo J, Magesa SM, Mosha F, Rowland M, Logan J. (2014) Long-lasting insecticide treated blanket for protection against Anopheles arabiensis and Culex quinquefasciatus: an experimental hut evaluation in Tanzania. Parasites & Vectors, 7:129. DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-129 20. Oxborough RM, Kitau J, Jones R, Feston E, Matowo J, Mosha FW, Rowland MW. (2014) Long-lasting control of Anopheles arabiensis by a single spray application of micro-encapsulated pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic® 300 CS). Malaria Journal 13:37. doi: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-37 21. Nyindo M, Kitau J, Lisasi E, Kapanda G, Matowo J, Francis P, Bartlett J (2014) Introduction of team-based learning (TBL) at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College: experience with the ectoparasites module. Medical Teacher 36, 308-13. DOI: 10.3109/0142159X.2013.876490
22. Matowo J, Kitau J, Kabula B, Kavishe RA, Oxborough RM, Kaaya R, Francis P, Chambo A, Mosha FW, Rowland MW (2014) Dynamics of insecticide resistance and the frequency of kdr mutation in the primary malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis in rural villages of Lower Moshi, Northeastern Tanzania. Journal of Parasitology and Vector Biology 6, 31-41. 23. Oxborough RM, Kitau J, Matowo J, Feston E, Mndeme R, Mosha FW, Rowland MW (2013) ITN mixtures of chlorfenapyr (Pyrrole) and alphacypermethrin (Pyrethroid) for control of pyrethroid resistant Anopheles arabiensis and Culex quinquefasciatus. PLoS ONE 8(2): e55781. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055781 24. Kabula B, Tungu P, Matowo J, Kitau J, Mweya C, Emidi B, Masue D, et al (2012) Susceptibility status of malaria vectors to insecticides commonly used for malaria control in Tanzania. Tropical Medicine and International Health 17, 742-50. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2012.02986.x 25. Kitau J, Oxborough RM, Tungu PK, Matowo J, Malima RC, et al. (2012) Species Shifts in the Anopheles gambiae Complex: Do LLINs Successfully Control Anopheles arabiensis? PLoS ONE 7(3): e31481. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031481 26. Mwanziva CE, Kitau J, Tungu PK, Mweya CN, Mkali H, Ndege CM, Sanga A, Mtabho C, Lukwaro C, Azizi S, Myamba J, Chilongola J, Magesa SM, Shekalaghe S and Mosha FW (2011) Transmission intensity and malaria vector population structure in Magugu, Babati District in northern Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Health Research 13, 68-78. DOI: 10.4314/thrb.v13i1.57252 27. Kitau J, Pates H, Rwegoshora TR, Rwegoshora D, Matowo J, Kweka EJ, Mosha FW, McKenzie K & Magesa SM. (2010) The Effect of Mosquito Magnet® Liberty Plus Trap on the Human Mosquito Biting Rate Under Semi-Field Conditions. American Journal of Mosquito Control Association 26, 287-94. DOI: 10.2987/09-5979.1 28. Matowo J, Kulkarni MA, Mosha F, Oxborough R, Kitau J, Tenu F & Rowland M. (2010) Biochemical basis of permethrin resistance in Anopheles arabiensis from Lower Moshi, North-Eastern Tanzania. Malaria Journal 9:193. DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-9-193 29. Oxborough RM, Kitau J, Matowo J, Mndeme R, Feston E, Boko P, Odjo A, Irish S, N'Guessan R, Mosha F & Rowland M. (2010) Evaluation of indoor residual spraying with the pyrrole insecticide chlorfenapyr against pyrethroid susceptible Anopheles arabiensis and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 104, 639-45. DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2010.07.008
30. Kitau J, Rwegoshora RT, Rwegoshora D, Matowo J, Mosha FW & Magesa SM (2009) The effect of combined use of Mosquito Magnet Liberty Plus trap and insecticide treated net on human biting rates of Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Culex quinquefasciatus. Tanzania Journal of Health Research 11, 84-89. 31. Eliningaya J Kweka, Mosha F, Lowasa A, Mahande AM, Kitau J, Matowo J, Mahande MJ, Masenga CP, Tenu F, Feston E, Lyatuu EE, Mboya MA, Mndeme R, Chuwa G and Temu EA (2008) Ethnobotanical study of some of mosquito repellent plants in north-eastern Tanzania. Malaria Journal 7:152. DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-7-152.
PUBLISHED ABSTRACT
1. Ishengoma DS, Mandara CI, Madebe R, Bakari C, Seth MD, Francis F, Buguzi C, Garimo I, Lazaro S, Lusasi A, Aron S, Chacky F, Mohamed A, Njau RJA, Kitau J, Bailey J, Juliano J, Warsame M, Ringwald P (2023) Confirmed artemisinin partial resistance and high efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate - amodiaquine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in North-Western Tanzania. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 109 (Supplementary 4), Abstracts of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Annual Meeting 18-22 October 2023, Chicago, Illinois USA. 2. Saleh F, Kitau K, Konradsen F, Kampango A, Mboera LEG, Schiøler KL (2022) Emerging epidemics: a study of arboviral vector ecology and health system capacity for surveillance and response in Zanzibar. Tanzania Journal of Health Research. Supplement, 23(3) 76. Proceedings for the 31st Annual Joint Scientific Conference of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR); 17th-19th May 2022.
3. J. Kitau, N. Protopopoff, A. Wright, P. West, F. W. Mosha, W. Kisinza, I. Kleinschmidt and M. Rowland (2015) Anopheles arabiensis is not successfully controlled by indoor residual spraying in Northwest Tanzania: implication for malaria vector control in the area. Tropical Medicine and International Health 20 (Supplementary 1), 19-20. Abstracts of the 9th European Congress on Tropical Medicine and International Health 6-10 September 2015 Basel, Switzerland.
Languages
Swahili
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Technical Officer, Malaria
WHO-Country Office, Tanzania
07.2019 - Current
Senior Lecturer
KCMU College
01.2018 - 06.2019
Dep Test Facility Manager/Entomology Technical Adv
PAMVERC
10.2015 - 06.2019
Lecturer
KCMU College
01.2013 - 12.2017
Research Scientist
PAMVERC KCMU College
01.2007 - 12.2015
No Degree - Post-doctoral Fellow
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College
Ph.D. - Malaria Vector Control
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College
Master of Science - Medical Parasitology, Entomology
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College
Bachelor of Science - Zoology, Wildlife Science
University of Dar Es Salaam