Jeremiah Pyuza
Research areas of interest: Immunopathology, Vaccinology, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Parasitic infections
Affiliation(s)
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania
Leiden University Medical Center | Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases
Education and Research background
I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Laboratory Sciences and gained skills in conducting and analysing laboratory tests. Then I pursued a study in medicine and graduated as a medical doctor from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Tanzania. As a medical doctor, I am involved in patient care, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical research, with attachment to the department of Pathology of KCMC. In parallel, I have pursued my interest in health care management, by completing an online Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at Unicaf University Malawi in collaboration with UK institutions. Currently, I am doing a PhD at Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) in the Netherlands on variation in responses to vaccines, which are the cornerstone of public health. This allows me to delve deeper into my passion for immunopathology and public health and I hope to contribute to ground-breaking research in these areas.
My work on immune responses to vaccines
Currently, with a great team, I am conducting a study in Tanzania that involves administering the yellow fever vaccine to participants living in rural and more urban areas of Moshi in Tanzania. The primary objective of this study is to assess the influence of
a) exposure to microorganisms and parasites, and
b) urban/rural lifestyle factors on immune profiles and the response to the yellow fever vaccine.
By utilizing the yellow fever vaccine as a model, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of how environmental factors can affect the immune system functionality that might contribute to diminished vaccine effectiveness observed in certain populations. The ultimate goal is to unravel the intricate relationship between these factors and optimize vaccine strategies for improved health outcomes.
beyond research
I enjoy being with books; I read and write them. My favourite way to get from A to B in the Netherlands is by bike. I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and I have been in most national parks in Tanzania and museums in the Netherlands.