June 24, 2026 – Knowledge Cafe

This Knowledge Cafe will showcase the use of a new methodology to engage schoolchildren in NTD participatory research.

The objectives of this KC includes:

1) To introduce the “Draw, Write and Tell” methodology for participatory research within the field of neglected tropical disease

2) To dessiminate the experiences of Ugandan schoolchildren and informed consent practices in mass drug administration campagins for schistosomiasis

Speakers:

Stella Neema is an Associate Professor and Medical Anthropologist at Makerere University. She specialises in qualitative research, focused on social and behavioural research, sexual and reproductive health, gender and health, neglected tropical diseases and community participatory studies.

Deborah Akurang is a research intern at the Bruyere Health Research Institute. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Social Sciences of Health at the University of Ottawa. As a research intern, Deborah has conducted and assisted on multiple qualiative reseach studies pertaining to never treatment, female genital schistosomiasis, and the impact of the stop work order on NTDs.

Moderator:

Dr. Alison Krentel is a Principal Investigator at the Threads Lab. She completed her postgraduate studies at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine receiving her PhD in Public Health (2008) and her MSc in Public Health in Developing Countries (1999). Alison’s main area of research interest and expertise involves understanding and facilitating community acceptance of new health initiatives for the control and elimination of infectious diseases, specifically neglected tropical diseases.