Last Updated: 13/10/2025
Spatio-temporal modeling of the presence, co-occurrence and co-infection of malaria and dengue fever in Colombia
Objectives
*Original title in French: Modélisation spatio-temporelle de la présence, de la co-occurrence et de la co-infection du paludisme et de la dengue en Colombi
This project aims to:
- identify the areas where malaria and dengue exist and circulate together, and identify the characteristics of the population affected by both diseases;
- identify the factors that influence the presence and co-circulation of dengue and malaria; and
- describe the joint presence of malaria and dengue in Colombia and the associated socio-environmental factors.
Malaria and dengue are major public health problems in Colombia, causing considerable morbidity, particularly among populations facing social and economic challenges. Although it is known that malaria and dengue co-circulate in certain regions of Colombia and that some individuals can contract both infections simultaneously (co-infection), the characteristics of the areas where co-circulation occurs, the profiles of affected individuals, and the factors influencing co-circulation and co-infection remain poorly understood.
To address these gaps, the investigator will conduct a population-based study using surveillance data on dengue and malaria cases reported in the Colombian National Surveillance System (SIVIGILA) from 2017 to 2024. Additional municipal-level data will be obtained from the Colombian National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE). The research team will employ descriptive statistics (medians, interquartile ranges, frequencies, and proportions) to describe the distribution of both diseases across different populations, along with specialized analytical techniques for examining each disease individually.
A binomial regression model will be adapted to test potential factors associated with the presence of disease and co-infection. Furthermore, the relative risk of the combined presence of dengue and malaria will be estimated using an integrated statistical method to analyze their spatial and temporal distribution.
The findings from this research will provide valuable insights to inform public health interventions in Colombia, contributing to more effective prevention and control strategies for malaria and dengue while prioritizing high-risk populations.
Apr 2025 — Mar 2029
$69,824
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