Welcome to Gitaka Lab, Working on Tropical Medicine, Maternal and Newborn Health
Gitakalab is led by
Prof. Jesse Gitaka
MBChB, MTropMed, PhD
Prof. Gitaka is the founding Director of Centre for Malaria Elimination (CME) and the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID) at Mount Kenya University
Transforming Maternal & Newborn Health
Our work on placental malaria tackles one of the most critical challenges in maternal and newborn health. Using advanced histopathological analysis and biomarker discovery, GitakaLab deciphers the unique molecular mechanisms of placental infection. By detecting early signs of placental compromise, we develop diagnostic tools that enable prompt therapeutic intervention and inform public health policies in malaria-endemic regions. Our collaborative field studies with local health providers ensure that these innovations translate directly into improved care for mothers and their babies.
Innovative Point-of-Care Diagnostics
At GitakaLab, we design rapid, highly sensitive diagnostic tests tailored for resource-limited settings. Employing cutting-edge technologies—such as CRISPR-based isothermal assays and lab-on-a-chip platforms—we create tools that deliver laboratory-grade accuracy at the point-of-care. Our integrated approach reduces diagnostic delays and empowers clinicians to make informed treatment decisions, enhancing outcomes for infectious diseases like malaria, TB, curable STIs and Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Pioneering Malaria Research & Genomic Surveillance
Leveraging state-of-the-art molecular biology and next-generation sequencing, our research unravels the genetic diversity and drug resistance profiles of Plasmodium parasites. This genomic surveillance drives targeted intervention strategies and refines malaria elimination efforts across Africa. Through robust clinical trials and collaborative implementation science, GitakaLab remains committed to transforming infectious disease management and advancing public health.
