My name is Alice Kilonzi, a Kenyan researcher who recently graduated in October 2025 with a Master’s degree in One Health Molecular Biology through the Southern African Center for Infectious Disease Surveillance (SACIDS) from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania. I had the honour of being supervised by Professor Gerald Misinzo, the Oliver R. Tambo Africa Research Chair for Viral Epidemics, and Dr. Augustino Chengula.
I am profoundly grateful to the World Bank for funding my scholarship under the Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence (ACE II) initiative for female students. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) for their invaluable support throughout my studies.
My research focused on the genetic characterization of Rotavirus in wastewater treatment plants and assessing community awareness of Rotavirus-related diarrhea and wastewater health risks in Morogoro, Tanzania.
Rotavirus remains a leading cause of severe diarrhea in children under five, primarily transmitted through contaminated water and poor sanitation. Despite its significant public health impact, wastewater is often overlooked as a critical source of information on how such viruses circulate in the environment. Understanding this connection is essential for improving public health and preventing disease outbreaks.
The objectives of my study were twofold:
- To detect and genetically characterize Rotavirus in wastewater treatment plants in Morogoro.
- To evaluate community awareness of Rotavirus-related diarrhea and the health risks associated with wastewater use.
Using molecular techniques, my research detected Rotavirus genetic material in wastewater, confirming the virus’s continued circulation within the community. The genetic diversity observed among the detected strains suggested either environmental persistence or reintroduction of the virus. Additionally, survey findings revealed limited public awareness of Rotavirus and the health risks linked to wastewater, underscoring the urgent need for targeted health education and improved sanitation interventions.
These findings highlight the critical role of environmental surveillance in disease prevention and emphasize the importance of public education and proper sanitation in safeguarding community health. My research aligns with the One Health approach, which integrates human, environmental, and animal health to create safer and healthier communities. It also contributes to global priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, by addressing health, water safety, and environmental sustainability.
Together, let’s transform research into actionable change for healthier communities!
