Wafa Tombari | Vaccines | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Infectious

Assist. Prof. Dr. Wafa Tombari | Vaccines | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | University Hospital of Sahloul | Tunisia

Dr. Wafa Tombari, Ph.D., is an accomplished Assistant Professor and Research Scientist at the University Hospital of Sahloul, Sousse, specializing in infectious diseases with a focus on virology, vaccine development, and antimicrobial resistance. She holds a Doctoral Diploma in Biology from the Faculty of Sciences in Tunisia, a Master of Science in Microbiology, and a Certificate of Complementary Studies in Statistics and Epidemiological Methods from the Faculty of Medicine in Tunisia. With a distinguished academic and research career, Dr. Tombari has served as an Assistant Professor at both the High Institute of Medical Technologies and the University Hospital of Sahloul, where she has successfully led and collaborated on numerous national and international research projects. Her research integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and immunoinformatics to develop computational approaches for vaccine design, antiviral therapeutics, and the study of bacterial resistance mechanisms. She has authored several peer-reviewed publications in reputable international journals, including studies on mRNA-based vaccines for rabies virus and molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus species, highlighting her contributions to advancing biomedical innovation. Beyond her research, Dr. Tombari plays an active role in student mentorship, curriculum development, and scientific outreach, fostering collaboration and innovation within the academic community. Her expertise extends to reverse vaccinology, molecular cloning, and phylogenetic analysis, reflecting her multidisciplinary approach to infectious disease research. Dr. Tombari’s scholarly achievements and professional dedication exemplify her commitment to advancing global health through science and education. She has achieved 119 citations, published 10 scientific documents, and holds an h-index of 5, reflecting her academic influence and research excellence.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Tombari, W., Nsiri, J., Larbi, I., Guerin, J. L., & Ghram, A. (2011). Genetic evolution of low pathogenicity H9N2 avian influenza viruses in Tunisia: . Acquisition of new mutations. Virology Journal, 8(1), 467.

2. Tombari, W., Paul, M., Bettaieb, J., Larbi, I., Nsiri, J., Elbehi, I., Gribaa, L., & Ghram, A. (2013). Risk factors and characteristics of low pathogenic avian influenza virus isolated from commercial poultry in Tunisia. PLoS ONE, 8(1), e53524.

3. Boudaoud, A., Mamache, B., Tombari, W., & Ghram, A. (2016). Virus mutations and their impact on vaccination against infectious bursal disease (Gumboro disease). Revue Scientifique et Technique, 35(3), 875–897.

4. Kallel Sellami, M., Zitouni, M., Tombari, W., Ben Ayed, M., Abida, O., Laadhar, L., et al. (2007). Anti-desmoglein-1 antibodies are prevalent in Tunisian patients with hydatidosis and leishmaniasis. British Journal of Dermatology, 156(3), 591–593.

Chalachew Yenew | Neglected Tropical Diseases | Best Paper Award

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Mr. Chalachew Yenew | Neglected Tropical Diseases | Best Paper Award

Lecturer | Debre Tabor University | Ethiopia 

Dr. Chalachew Yenew Dinku is an accomplished Lecturer and Researcher at Debre Tabor University, Ethiopia, specializing in Environmental and Public Health, with a research focus on environmental and occupational exposure, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), infection prevention and control, One Health, and public health emergency management. He holds a Master of Science in Environmental Health Sciences from Jimma University, where his thesis on AMR contamination pathways received an international research grant and resulted in multiple peer-reviewed publications. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety from the University of Gondar, where his undergraduate research on hospital indoor bacterial contamination gained national recognition. With over nine years of professional experience, Dr. Yenew has held key academic and public health roles, including as a Public Health Emergency Surveillance Officer with the Ohio State University Global One Health Initiative and as a Public Health Officer under the Amhara Health Bureau, where he led health education, surveillance, and community health initiatives. At Debre Tabor University, he has served as a member of research committees, supervised postgraduate students, and secured major institutional research grants such as “Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance through a One Health Approach” and “Scabies Screening and Prevention”. Dr. Yenew has authored or co-authored over 55 scientific papers, with 35 published in reputable international journals, 15 as first or corresponding author, and several under review. His extensive editorial contributions include serving as an editor for BMC Public Health, a reviewer for multiple high-impact journals, and a conference presenter at more than 20 national and international scientific events. His research integrates advanced statistical and molecular approaches to tackle pressing public health challenges, bridging academia, policy, and practice. With 355 citations, 47 indexed documents, and an h-index of 9, Dr. Chalachew Yenew exemplifies scholarly excellence, leadership, and commitment to advancing sustainable, evidence-based One Health solutions globally.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Anteneh, R. M., Gashu, Z. E., Baffa, L. D., Bitew, D. A., Yenew, C., Demissie, K. A., Terefe, B., Jejaw, M., Zegeye, A. F., Tiruneh, M. G., et al. (2025). Decomposing socioeconomic and educational inequalities in infant mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health, 25(12), 1–12.

2. Mehari, M. G., Yeshiwas, A. G., Esubalew, D., Azmeraw, Y., Delie, A. M., Limenh, L. W., Worku, N. K., Hailu, M., Melese, M., Abie, A., et al. (2025). Dominance of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and risk factors of bacteriuria infection among pregnant women in East Africa. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 25(12), 1–12.

3. Temesgen, A., Anteneh, R. M., Yeshiwas, A. G., Bayeh, G. M., Yenew, C., Ejigu, A. G., Gebeyehu, A. A., Tsega, T. D., Ahmed, A. F., Yemata, G. A., et al. (2025). Systematic review and meta-analysis on gaps in household waste management practices in urban Ethiopia for supporting the TSEDU Ethiopia initiative. Discover Sustainability, 25(12), 1–12.

4. Tsega, T. D., Tsega, S. S., Gebeyehu, A. A., Yemata, G. A., Anteneh, R. M., Yeshiwas, A. G., Yirdaw, G., Yenew, C., Enawgaw, A. S., Ejigu, A. G., et al. (2025). Viral load suppression rate of third-line antiretroviral therapy and its association with gender among HIV patients after second-line treatment failure in Africa. BMC Infectious Diseases, 25(12), 1–12.