About ATRAP
Vector-borne diseases such as malaria and schistosomiasis pose a significant public and veterinary health burden, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. While drug treatment remains essential, it is insufficient on its own. The World Health Organisation, therefore, recommends integrating vector control and community involvement. However, the lack of experts and vector distribution data hinders the development and implementation of targeted control measures. To address these challenges, ATRAP adopts the citizen science approach, which allows non-specialists to participate in vector monitoring. As such, local residents in selected communities in Uganda and DRC are actively involved in weekly data collection on vector populations and risky behavioural practices. In addition to collecting this valuable data, these local residents also act as communicators, raising awareness within the broader community. By collaborating with the local communities, ATRAP aims to generate the much-needed ecological data to create reliable risk maps and support policymakers in designing targeted control measures.
Our mission
The long-term goal of ATRAP is to contribute to healthier, more productive communities in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, free from vector-borne diseases (VBDs), specifically schistosomiasis and malaria. Guided by the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” ATRAP embraces a transdisciplinary approach that brings together experts from diverse fields, specifically medicine, anthropology, ecology, epidemiology, and communication, while actively involving local communities through citizen science. By co-producing knowledge and interventions with those most affected, we aim to interrupt disease transmission at the local level and foster sustainable, community-led solutions.
ATRAP team_DRC
ATRAP team_Uganda
Key elements of ATRAP
Community-led efforts
ATRAP places affected communities at the centre of disease prevention efforts by training local residents to actively contribute to scientific research questions as citizen scientists. Through this approach, community members are equipped with the skills and tools to investigate health risks, develop local solutions and drive meaningful change. With this approach, ATRAP recognises community members as essential partners rather than passive recipients.
Health education and awareness
The local community members trained by ATRAP (citizen scientists) are not just collecting data, they also lead efforts to educate others in their communities. As trusted members of their communities, often connected through kinship and social ties, they communicate prevention messages in ways that reasonate with local traditions, langauges and practices.
Multistakeholder engagement
ATRAP doesn't work in isolation, we work closely with a wide range of local partners, including academic institutions, health agencies, government officials and NGOs to co-design and implement scientifc research that reflects community needs and priorities. This ensures that the research is both contextually relevant and supported by key stakeholders.
