Focus, Prioritize, Collaborate

Abstract

Malaria remains one of the most important parasitic diseases in Thailand, where all human malaria species (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale) have been found. In Thailand, the seasonal dynamics of malaria transmission is strongly influenced by the presence of multiple species of Anopheles mosquitoes, which in turn influences vector control interventions and national surveillance programs. Dr Jetsumon Sattabongkot Prachumsri (Figure 1) is the Director of the Mahidol Vivax Research Unit (MVRU), established in March 2011, at the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand. Jetsumon began her malaria research in 1985 and is interested in malaria epidemiology, surveillance, and transmission. She has published more than 175 papers under Sattabongkot J. and Prachumsri J. In this short interview, Jetsumon highlights the importance of finding one's niche, prioritizing time, and establishing mutually beneficial collaborations.