PAMCA APPOINTS 3 WOMEN IN VECTOR CONTROL (WIVC) REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Jessy Goupeyou- Youmsi, WIVC Regional Coordinator for West Africa (WA)
As a Medical Entomologist, Jessy Goupeyou- Youmsi is overwhelmed with joy to be part of PAMCA`s family. According to Jessy, to help build the capacity of different actors involved in the control of vector-borne diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and strengthen the role of women, there is no better organization than PAN AFRICAN MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION (PAMCA). As a Medical Entomologist haven worked in resources-limited settings including Cameroon, Madagascar and Malawi, Jessy´s aspiration is to collaborate with passionate scientists and different stakeholders to put in place simple, practical, and sustainable methods for reducing the transmission of malaria which remains a major public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Communicating with a younger African audience, particularly promoting women participation in the control of vector-borne diseases in SSA, is top on her list. Before joining PAMCA, Jessy worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on a project characterizing the Plasmodium transmission reservoirs in Malawi, under the Malawi International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) at the Malaria Alert Centre of the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences.
Rosalia Joseph, WIVC Coordinator for Central and Southern Africa
Rosalia Joseph is overwhelmed with gratitude and honor for the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association's decision to appoint her as a WIVC Coordinator for Central and Southern Africa. This unprecedented opportunity will enable her to bridge the gender gap in vector control, where women are significantly underrepresented. Prior to joining PAMCA as the WIVC Coordinator for Central and Southern Africa, she worked as a researcher at the University of Namibia - Multidisciplinary Research and was embedded with the National Vector-borne Disease Control Program (NVDCP) the of Ministry of Health and Social Services supporting entomological surveillance studies, capacity building and training of laboratory and insectary technicians, and environmental health officers, as well as overseeing the effective management of the insectaries. Rosalia does not only envision "An Africa free of vector-borne diseases," but will work tirelessly to build, nurture, and strengthen the capacity of African women to play an equal role in this milestone, as stated in PAMCA's core mandate.Rosalia is a health and malaria advocate who work to raise community awareness and ensure that everyone receives quality health care. She lives by the quote "we rise by uplifting others," therefore, she will use her acquired skills and experiences from her previous position to help other women in building their capacities.
Christina Sudi, WIVC Regional Coordinator for East Africa
Christina Sudi is grateful to PAMCA for being selected as the Women in Vector Control Regional Coordinator for East Africa. Being her first time to hold a regional position, she is excited and looking forward to facilitating the implementation of the WIVC programme activities, within the Eastern African Region. This role will enable her to work with inclusiveness of women and gender equity in the planning and implementation of projects. Prior to joining PAMCA, Christina worked within the development sector for over 15 years with partners like Tetra Tech ARD, United Nations –International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, World University Service of Canada, and DSW-Tanzania in variety of sectors which includes WASH, Reproductive Health, Education and Human Rights. Christina is a gender specialist endowed with development principles, concepts, and practices, related to Community Development, Gender, & WASH. She is more than ready for this role.