The Climate and Health Interdisciplinary Research Programme (CHIRP) at Leeds is based in the Priestly International Centre for Climate at the University of Leeds. CHIRP@LEEDS is a joint collaboration across the climate and global health themes, and partners the Leeds School of Earth and Environment, and the Leeds Institute for Health Sciences, including the Nuffield Centre for Global Health and Development. Led by Professor Lea Berrang-Ford, the programme integrates interdisciplinary expertise across Leeds faculties, including strengths in public health, epidemiology, medicine, engineering, climate science, nutrition, and geography.
Clark S, Berrang-Ford L, Lwasa S, Namanya D, Twesigomwe S, IHACC Research Team, et al. (2016) A Longitudinal Analysis of Mosquito Net Ownership and Use in an Indigenous Batwa Population after a Targeted Distribution. PLoS ONE 11(5): e0154808. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0154808
A new IHACC article on mosquito net retention among Batwa was recently published in PLoS ONE. Using a longitudinal approach, Clark et al. 2016 explored the rate of mosquito net retention after an IHACC targeted distribution event among 10 Batwa communities in Kanungu District southwestern Uganda. The results indicate that net non-ownership was high among the Batwa, particularly within the first 3-months following the distribution. Mass targeted distribution campaigns aim to reduce inequities in mosquito net ownership among different socio-economic groups. However, our data showed that amongst the Batwa, household socio-economic status determined retention of nets after the distribution and inequities in ownership increased over-time, disadvantaging the poorest households. This research implies that retention of freely distributed LLINs, particularly for impoverished populations, may remain subject to patterning by socioeconomic gradients. More effective longitudinal monitoring and evaluation programs are needed to assess the long-term impact of free LLIN distributions, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. Professor Berrang Ford has moved to Leeds University in England. She is now working as the Chair in Climate and Health at the Priestly International Centre for Climate. In this position she will work to better understand how we can adjust existing health and social systems to be more climate-resilient.
That means understanding how health and social systems interact with climate and weather. We know surprisingly little about those interactions. That will be one of my key areas of focus at Leeds. - Lea Read more about the new appointment here. Dr. Lea Berrang Ford receives Canada Research Chair in Global Health and Environmental Change1/31/2017
Last December, Dr. Lea Berrang Ford was officially awarded the Canada Research Chair -Tier 2- in Global Health and Environmental Change. CRCs are granted to "outstanding researchers acknowledged by their peers as world leaders in their fields" (source: Meaghan Thurston, McGill reporter, full article available here).
Congratulations Lea! |