Showing articles associated with Sheetal Silal
Dr Sheetal Silal is a mathematical modeller and statistician focusing on modelling infectious diseases in South Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia Pacific region. Her interests are in epidemiological and economic modelling to support intervention planning and policy development. Sheetal is the founder and Director of the Modelling and Simulation Hub, Africa (MASHA), a senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town and an Honorary Visiting Research Fellow in Tropical Disease Modelling at the University of Oxford.
What is your main area(s) of interest/expertise?
My primary area of research is mathematical modelling of infectious diseases. This is the application of mathematical modelling and computer simulation through techniques such as differential equation modelling and agent based simulation to predict the dynamics and control of infectious diseases. Using these methods, we can evaluate, among other things, the potential impact of control programmes in reducing morbidity and mortality.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently developing models for COVID-19 with the South African COVID-19 Modelling Consortium, which is group of researchers from academic, non-profit, and government institutions across South Africa. The group is coordinated by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, on behalf of the National Department of Health. Our mandate is to provide, assess and validate model projections to be used for planning purposes by the Government of South Africa. I am also providing providing technical support to national teams in Africa who are participating in the Oxford CoMo Consortium.
Why is Oxford a good place to work in this field of research?
Applied disease modelling is most impactful when based on multidisciplinary collaboration and engagement with a range of stakeholders. Oxford brings together exceptional researchers from diverse disciplines and encourages partnerships with other academics and practitioners around the world.
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