Catiane Vander Kelen

Catiane Vander Kelen is a researcher specializing in neglected tropical diseases, particularly Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) and community-driven interventions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Affiliated with the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), her work focuses on participatory approaches to disease control, empowerment strategies, and sustainable health system strengthening.

• Affiliations: Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), Belgium
• Key Projects:
  • Tryp-Elim II: Gates Foundation-funded HAT elimination program in DRC (2021-2025)
  • Community Participation in NTD Elimination (2019-2024) - PhD project exploring participatory strategies

Her research interests emphasize the intersection of public health interventions and local community engagement, with particular attention to empowerment mechanisms and the feasibility of novel control methods like Tiny Targets for tsetse fly management. She has authored over 13 peer-reviewed publications and a doctoral dissertation on community participation in tsetse control.