Mathematics against malaria
In collaboration with numerous partner universities from South America and Germany, mathematicians from the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg have launched an international research project to investigate the effects of climate change on health systems and sustainable development in South America as well as in Germany and to search for solutions.
The goal is to develop solutions for problems such as the increased spread of diseases by mosquitoes and climate change in South America . Mathematical methods and modeling are used for this purpose.
CDS member Prof. Dr. Thomas Richter , from the Faculty of Mathematics , explains: "Rising temperatures, higher humidity, and overall changing weather conditions create ideal habitats for mosquitoes. These mosquitoes, in turn, are carriers of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika. As a result, these diseases can spread more quickly and into new areas that were previously too cool or dry for mosquitoes. This poses a growing threat to the health systems in the region."
In addition to the impact of climate change on health systems, another important focus of the project is the future of drinking water supply.
The South American Competence Center for Scientific Computing in Health and Climate research project will be funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with over €300,000 over the next four years. The project also aims to establish sustainable research and educational collaborations through joint doctoral projects, summer schools, and conferences , and to secure these collaborations beyond the project's duration, thereby building a lasting scientific network.
For the official press release of the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg