• 27 March 2025
• 1 – 2 pm
• ITM, Auditorium Nationalestraat, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerpen

In this talk, Prof Helen Ayles, infectious diseases clinician and epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, will reflect on the significant progress and ongoing challenges in TB research and control in Zambia. Register now to attend the physical or online event!

Professor Helen Ayles is an infectious diseases clinician and epidemiologist who has dedicated over 20 years to the control of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in Zambia. As a Professor of Infectious Diseases and International Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Director of Research at Zambart, her work focuses on improving diagnostics and developing interventions to mitigate the impact of these epidemics.

In her talk, The Evolving Face of TB: Lessons from 25 Years of Research in Zambia, Professor Ayles will reflect on the significant progress and ongoing challenges in TB research and control in Zambia. She will share insights from her extensive experience, highlighting key developments in TB diagnostics, treatment strategies, and the integration of TB and HIV services. She will also focus on the role of community engagement in research and on the importance of adapting research methodologies to effectively address the dynamic landscape of TB. Attendees can expect a comprehensive overview of recent advancements and thoughtful considerations on future directions for TB research and public health interventions in Zambia and similar settings.

This event is moderated by Professor Bernadette Hensen, Head of the Unit of Sexual Health including HIV in the Department of Public Health.

Helen Ayles

Helen Ayles is a Professor of Infectious Diseases and International Health in the Clinical Research Department at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and has lived in Zambia for 24 years working as the director of research at Zambart in Lusaka, Zambia. Her research interest is in the combined epidemics of TB and HIV, and in the evaluation of large-scale public health interventions to reduce the burden of both diseases at population level. Helen is also an active clinician and has conducted clinical research on TB diagnostics, screening, and preventive therapy.

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