Mwandida K. Afuleni
- Country of Origin: Malawi
- Home University: Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences
- Host University & Country: University of Manchester - United Kingdom
- PhD Title: Statistical and Mathematical Modelling of COVID-19 in Malawi
- Year of Completion: 2026
PhD Overview
My PhD research aims to improve understanding of the spatiotemporal, demographic, and evolutionary dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Malawi. It integrates phylogenetic analysis of viral genomic data, Bayesian spatiotemporal risk modelling across age groups and districts, and reparameterised SEIR modelling to address key gaps in epidemic forecasting. By combining genomic, epidemiological, and modelling approaches, the research enhances insights into variant spread, COVID-19 risk patterns, and model calibration in low-resource settings, ultimately supporting data-driven public health decision-making.
Sustainability Goals
- Good Health and Well-being
About Me
Lecturer at MUBAS–Malawi and PhD researcher in epidemiological modelling, with published work on SARS-CoV-2 evolution (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0003943), code at https://github.com/MwandieKambaAfuleni, and a preprint on COVID-19 risk in Malawi (https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.16.25322329v1). Skilled in Bayesian methods and SEIR model reparameterisation. Research supports epidemic preparedness in LMICs.