Feed Your Mind Lecture: At the Intersection of Science, Human Rights and Development: An Interdisciplinary Approach to a Neglected Tropical Disease

Mon. Feb. 5, 2024

On February 5th, we hosted our third Feed Your Mind Lecture of the academic year, At the Intersection of Science, Human Rights and Development: An Interdisciplinary Approach to a Neglected Tropical Disease, presented by Dr. Alexander Kwarteng.

Lecture Description

How do you tackle a disease that thrives in poverty, is associated with curses and results in social isolation? Despite 20 years of World Health Organization-led intervention, Lymphatic Filariasis (elephantiasis), a mosquito-borne disease that causes painful and debilitating swelling, remains endemic in 31 African countries. Dr. Kwarteng's talk highlights an interdisciplinary project bringing together scientists and social scientists to tackle the social, economic and physical and mental health aspects of the disease. This innovative international project uses a wide range of arts-based and participatory methods (photo voice, body mapping, interviews, focus groups, community mapping) and will be of interest to students who are interested in epidemiology, health, human rights and development, as well those curious about how different research methods work in practice and what it is like to work in an interdisciplinary team.

Dr. Kwarteng is a faculty member at the Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. He is an expert on Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) - a stigmatized and neglected tropical disease spread by mosquitoes. LF primarily affects people living in poverty and fuels a vicious cycle of reinforcing human rights violations. Dr. Kwarteng is engaged in clinical trials aimed at eliminating LF in affected communities in Ghana. His team also develops and promotes the use of innovative strategies using an interdisciplinary approach and cultural perspective to fight social stigma, alleviate pain, and reduce rates of depression among those living with LF.