Global Health and Tropical Medicine

Neglected tropical diseases affect the lives of billions globally. Our research aims to develop control and elimination strategies for these diseases.

Professor Darren Gray

Program Director

Research Focus

Our research investigates the transmission and control of tropical infectious diseases and diseases of poverty. These diseases are some of the most prevalent and important infections worldwide, and their effects on human health are the cause of much suffering and economic loss. We aim to understand the spatial distribution and risk factors for these diseases, and to develop public health interventions that will lead to their sustainable control and eventual elimination.

In particular, our research focuses on:

  • Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections - a group of parasitic diseases with an estimated global prevalence of 650 million people.
  • Schistosomiasis - another highly prevalent parasitic disease that causes severe morbidity, including bladder cancer, liver disease, and stunted growth.
  • Opisthorchiasis - a foodborne parasitic disease that is a major contributing factor to bile duct cancer in the endemic regions of Southeast Asia.
  • Strongyloidiasis - a particular type of STH infection that is highly prevalent in remote northern and western regions of Australia.

Gallery

Research Projects

Current Research Projects

HELM Study: Helminth Elimination from the Lower Mekong.

Ending the neglect – Setting the platform for Strongyloidiasis elimination in Australia.

Magic Glasses Research Program for the control and elimination of intestinal worms.


Research Team

Mary Lorraine Mationg

Suzy Ossipow

Fasil Wagnew Shiferaw

Sean Gannon


Funding

  • NHMRC
  • UBS Optimus Foundation
  • DFAT