Mathematics against Malaria
In collaboration with numerous partner universities from South America and Germany, mathematicians from 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 and Germany and to find solutions.
The aim is to develop solutions to problems such as the increased spread of diseases caused 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 changes in weather conditions create ideal habitats for mosquitoes. They in turn are carriers of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and Zika. As a result, these diseases can spread faster and in new areas previously too cool or dry for mosquitoes. This poses a growing threat to health systems in the region.”
In addition to the impact of climate change on healthcare systems, the project's other important focus is the future of drinking water supplies.
The research project South American Competence Center for Scientific Computing in Health and Climate will be funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with over 300,000 euros over the next four years. The aim is also to establish sustainable research and educational cooperation through joint doctoral projects, summer schools and conferences and to secure this beyond the duration of the project and build up a permanent scientific network.
To the offifcial pressrelease of the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg