Ms. Theopista Lotto | Health Professions | Best Research Article Award
Ifakara Health Institute | Tanzania
Author Profile
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Ms. Theopista Lotto embarked on her academic journey with a deep commitment to healthcare and research. She earned her Bachelor of Pharmacy from Muhimbili University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (2003-2007), laying a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences. Her passion for healthcare monitoring and evaluation led her to pursue an MSc in Health Monitoring and Evaluation at Mzumbe University, Morogoro, Tanzania (2013-2015). Further advancing her expertise, she attained a PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health from Swiss TPH, Switzerland (2021-2023), equipping her with cutting-edge skills in public health research and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) studies.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Ms. Lotto has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in public health, antimicrobial stewardship, and pharmaceutical research through her extensive professional journey. She currently serves as an M&E Advisor for the CDC Project on Sustainable Health System Strengthening at Mzumbe University (2024-Present), where she designs and implements evaluation frameworks and supports national health initiatives. Her role as a Technical Expert and In-Country Consultant for the Commonwealth Pharmacist Association (2023-Present) underscores her influence in antimicrobial stewardship, ensuring that healthcare programs align with Tanzania’s National Action Plan on AMR. Previously, she was a Research Scientist at Ifakara Health Institute (2020-2024), where she led multiple AMR surveillance projects and cross-sectional studies on antimicrobial use. Her earlier career includes impactful roles such as M&E Advisor at Tanzania Institute of Monitoring and Evaluation (2019-2020), DHIS2 Coordinator at Mbeya District Council (2015-2019), and District Pharmacist at Mbeya District Council (2009-2015). These positions highlight her extensive experience in data-driven decision-making, pharmaceutical logistics, and healthcare policy implementation.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Ms. Lotto’s research focuses on antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship, public health surveillance, and health system strengthening. She has played a pivotal role in:
- Designing and leading AMU & AMS projects at Ifakara Health Institute, conducting large-scale community surveys to assess antimicrobial use in Tanzania.
- Implementing electronic Clinical Decision Support Algorithms (CDSA) to promote antibiotic stewardship and improve pediatric healthcare outcomes.
- Enhancing health monitoring systems through her expertise in Health Information Systems (DHIS2) and supporting national stakeholders with data-driven decision-making.
Her research has significantly contributed to the development of antimicrobial resistance policies, ensuring that Tanzania aligns with global AMR mitigation strategies.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Ms. Lotto’s contributions have earned her recognition as a leading researcher in public health and pharmacy. She has been instrumental in multiple government and international health projects, showcasing her ability to foster cross-sector collaborations with organizations like the CDC, Commonwealth Pharmacist Association, and Ifakara Health Institute. Her technical expertise in antimicrobial stewardship has positioned her as a sought-after consultant in Tanzania’s healthcare system.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Ms. Lotto’s work has had a far-reaching impact on Tanzania’s public health landscape. She has:
- Strengthened AMR surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship programs at a national level.
- Improved healthcare monitoring and evaluation frameworks through innovative data collection and analysis.
- Supported policy formulation and implementation, working closely with government ministries and international health bodies.
- Provided training and mentorship to healthcare professionals, ensuring sustainable knowledge transfer in pharmaceutical management and public health research.
Her influence extends beyond research; she actively engages policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and academic institutions to drive meaningful change in the fight against AMR.
🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions
As a visionary leader in public health and pharmacy, Ms. Lotto continues to pave the way for stronger healthcare systems in Tanzania. Her future contributions are expected to focus on:
- Expanding AMR research to include more comprehensive national and regional studies.
- Developing innovative pharmaceutical management tools to optimize drug distribution and usage.
- Strengthening international collaborations to combat antimicrobial resistance on a global scale.
- Training and mentoring the next generation of researchers in epidemiology and public health.
With her unwavering dedication and expertise, Ms. Lotto is set to leave a lasting legacy in global health research and pharmaceutical sciences, ensuring sustainable and evidence-based healthcare practices for generations to come.
Publications
📄 Population-Based Prevalence of Antibiotic Residuals in Low, Moderate and High Malaria Endemicity Areas in Tanzania
Author(s): Theopista Lotto, Joanna Gallay, Martin Zuakulu, Beatrice Ternon, Laurent Arthur Decosterd, Alexandra V. Kulinkina, Blaise Genton
Journal: Antibiotics
Year: 2025