Saskia van Henten

Saskia van Henten is a researcher at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), specializing in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis. She holds a dual MD/MSc in Clinical Research from Utrecht University and a BSc in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her work focuses on improving diagnostic and treatment strategies for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ethiopia, as part of her PhD completed in early 2023.

Education:

• MD/MSc Clinical Research, Selective Utrecht Medical Master, Universiteit Utrecht (2017)
• BSc Liberal Arts and Sciences, Universiteit Utrecht (2011)

Research Interests: Her research emphasizes Ethiopia’s endemic regions, addressing challenges in diagnosing and managing cutaneous leishmaniasis through clinical studies and innovative diagnostic tools. She also explores the intersection of HIV and visceral leishmaniasis in immunocompromised populations.

Grants & Projects:

• AIM-CL (2023–2026): Investigating antimicrobial adjuvants for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment.
• Improving Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (2020–2024): PhD-focused project enhancing evidence-based practices.
• Enhancing Research Capacity in Ethiopia (2018): Strengthening tropical disease research and medical practices.

Teaching: She contributes to evidence-based medicine courses (SCREM) and SORT-IT trainings, emphasizing clinical research methodologies.

Labs/Teams: Part of ITM’s NTD Unit, collaborating on cross-border studies and global health initiatives.