My work for the PneumoADIP involves the management, analysis, and interpretation of data from pneumococcal disease surveillance networks in Asia and Africa. I also act as coordinator for a multi-site project to evaluate the utility of the Binax Streptococcus pneumoniae immuno-chromatographic test in the CSF of children with meningitis.

My PhD research in Kilifi, Kenya focuses on the geographic determinants of morbidity, mortality and access to vaccines. The underlying hypothesis is that children who live the furthest from health care facilities are the most at vulnerable to disease, bear the greatest burden of mortality, and are also least likely to be immunized in a timely manner. The effectiveness of new vaccines, such as pneumococcal conjugates, will greatly depend on these spatial relationships.

vaccines, pneumococcal disease, pneumonia, surveillance, GIS