Senior Entomologist at Ministry of Health, National Malaria Elimination Division, Uganda
Moses Adriko is a distinguished Senior Entomologist with the Ministry of Health in Uganda, recognized for his expertise in medical entomology, parasitology, and public health leadership. With an academic role as a public health research fellow and reader at Nkumba University, he bridges policy, practice, and academia. Adriko plays a pivotal role in coordinating integrated vector management strategies, especially in controlling malaria vectors and other disease-causing agents. His national and international collaborations have positioned him as a key contributor to the fight against neglected tropical diseases. A respected voice in policy development, he is involved in various global expert committees, including those under the World Health Organization. His contributions extend to environmental health, disease surveillance, and community health systems. Through his leadership, Moses Adriko continues to influence strategic decisions aimed at improving health outcomes across Uganda and beyond.
Professional Profiles
Orcid | Scopus
Education
Moses Adriko holds a robust academic foundation spanning medical entomology, public health, business administration, and leadership. His doctoral research at Nkumba University investigates fascioliasis within a One Health framework, merging human, animal, and environmental health perspectives. He has completed advanced degrees in public health and business administration from Nexus International University, gaining cross-disciplinary expertise in health policy and management. His formal training includes a bachelor’s degree in science from Makerere University and a diploma in medical entomology and parasitology. Beyond degree programs, Adriko has engaged in continuous professional development through prestigious short courses and certificates offered by institutions in Switzerland, Egypt, Kenya, Sudan, and Zambia. These cover advanced epidemiology, parasitology, disease eradication strategies, research design, and ethical conduct in public health. His educational background has been instrumental in equipping him with the technical and strategic capabilities required for leading complex disease control programs both nationally and globally.
Experience
Moses Adriko has extensive professional experience in disease control, vector management, and health systems strengthening. As a Senior Entomologist with the Ministry of Health, he is tasked with planning, coordinating, and implementing integrated strategies for vector-borne disease prevention. He has served as a program officer for national bilharzia and worm control initiatives and contributed to externally funded projects like ASCEND. Adriko’s work spans both field and administrative roles, including technical training, stakeholder engagement, and policy execution. In addition to his governmental duties, he has held academic positions, lecturing in medical entomology and parasitology at the Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Sciences. He has served on ethics review committees, ensuring compliance in research protocols related to public health. His leadership and hands-on engagement in disease surveillance, community mobilization, and health promotion initiatives have solidified his reputation as a reliable authority in tropical medicine and integrated vector control in Uganda.
Awards and Honors
Moses Adriko has received multiple recognitions for his contributions to tropical disease control and public health research. He has been awarded numerous travel fellowships to attend global workshops and conferences focused on neglected tropical diseases, water infrastructure, and disease eradication strategies. These include events hosted in South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Senegal, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, and Zambia. His participation in these prestigious forums reflects his role as both a contributor and thought leader in the field. He has also been recognized for his involvement in advancing community-based health programs and promoting integrated approaches to disease prevention. In addition to conference-based honors, Adriko has been invited to contribute to high-level policy dialogues and project planning sessions organized by international agencies. His consistent engagement with global partners underscores his dedication to translating scientific knowledge into action. These accolades affirm his influence in shaping strategies for disease elimination and health system innovation.
Research Focus
Moses Adriko’s research centers on neglected tropical diseases, with particular emphasis on vector ecology, disease transmission, and integrated control strategies. His current work explores the molecular epidemiology of fascioliasis using a One Health approach, examining the interconnected health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. He has contributed to projects funded by global bodies, including the European Union and international philanthropic organizations, to investigate persistent schistosomiasis infections, praziquantel efficacy, and diagnostic innovation in low-resource settings. Adriko’s research seeks to bridge gaps between clinical, environmental, and policy domains by designing interventions that are scalable, cost-effective, and community-centered. His multidisciplinary collaborations have produced insights into vector biology, drug resistance, and effective surveillance systems. A prolific contributor to peer-reviewed journals, he is also an active manuscript reviewer for leading journals on tropical diseases. His scientific contributions aim to inform national programs and global strategies for eliminating parasitic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Associations between helminth infection status and the composition and concentration of fecal bile acids in school-age children in Uganda
Journal: Scientific Reports
Summary: This study explores how helminth infections influence bile acid profiles in fecal samples from Ugandan children, revealing potential biomarkers of infection and intestinal health.
Title: Meta-analysis and systematic review of the prevalence and risk factors of animal fascioliasis in Eastern and Southern Africa
Summary: A comprehensive meta-analysis identifying the geographic spread, prevalence, and risk determinants of animal fascioliasis to guide veterinary health policy in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Title: Safety and efficacy of praziquantel 40 mg/kg versus 80 mg/kg in preschool-aged children with intestinal schistosomiasis in Uganda: a 2×2 factorial, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 randomised trial
Journal: Lancet Global Health
Summary: This clinical trial evaluates whether higher dosing of praziquantel is both safe and more effective for preschool-aged children with schistosomiasis, using a rigorous 2×2 factorial trial design.
Title: School-aged Schistosoma mansoni infection levels after long-term programmatic control show failure to meet control programme targets and evidence of a persistent hotspot: evaluation of the FibroScHot trial baseline data
Journal: PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Summary: Baseline data from the FibroScHot trial shows persistent high infection levels of Schistosoma mansoni in some Ugandan areas, suggesting current control efforts are inadequate and hotspots remain.
Title: Development of a latex microsphere-based lateral flow immunoassay for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica
Journal: PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Summary: Researchers developed a novel lateral flow diagnostic tool using latex microspheres to enhance sensitivity and rapid detection of Schistosoma japonicum infections in endemic areas.
Conclusion
Moses Adriko’s professional journey reflects a sustained commitment to combating neglected tropical diseases through science, policy, and community engagement. With a rare blend of technical expertise, academic rigor, and leadership acumen, he has influenced public health interventions at both grassroots and strategic levels. His integrated approach to vector management, grounded in empirical research and field application, continues to drive innovations in disease surveillance and control. Through his academic work, mentorship, and participation in international health committees, Adriko contributes to building resilient health systems that prioritize equity and sustainability. His work is characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration, a deep understanding of disease ecology, and the ability to mobilize diverse stakeholders. As global health challenges evolve, he remains a vital contributor to shaping responsive and evidence-based interventions. His legacy is not only in the policies he has shaped or the programs he has led but also in the lives improved through his dedication to public health.