Research summary
Canada is facing a resurgence in sexually transmitted infections. HIV also continues to be a concern, and Mpox cases are on the rise. But mathematical models can be developed to study these types of infectious diseases and test potential strategies to mitigate their spread.
Dr. Sharmistha Mishra, Canada Research Chair in Mathematical Modelling and Program Science, is using mathematical models to identify HIV prevention gaps in order to improve local epidemic control, prevent resurgence, and tailor public health responses. She and her research team are also assessing how uncertainty in data and elements of model structure influence projections and developing solutions to improve the application of these models. Their aims are to advance the field of infectious disease modelling and program science and to strengthen decision-making on local and international scales to enhance health outcomes and reduce health inequities.