COVID-19
Research
Our scientists joined forces with national and international experts to limit the impact of COVID-19 on global health. They work on diagnostic tools to map the epidemic, study vaccine responses through biomedical research and clinical trials and study the impact of COVID-19 on people and society. We particularly focus on low- and middle-income countries and vulnerable populations.
Training and information
ITM regularly organises webinars on the COVID-19 epidemic for and with alumni and partners. During these webinars, international researchers and health professionals share their insights and approaches. The institute also trains health professionals from all over the world on epidemic response and research and advises national and international authorities and embassies on the current crisis.
Our support
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ITM laboratories analysed patient samples sent by hospitals in the Antwerp region, with the help of molecular diagnostics. Our doctors assisted their colleagues at UZA with the screening and treatment of patients. ITM and the Department of General Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine of UZA have been working together for years.
ITM's travel clinic closely followed the latest developments in the world. Travellers and Belgian Embassies benefited from up-to-date information on Wanda, our website on travel medicine.
Research themes
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Bacteria have found various ways to develop resistance (AMR), of which resistance to antibiotics is a problem reaching across many different domains. -
Tireless effort is crucial to eliminate human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, in the world. For more than a century, ITM has been playing its part.
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Arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika are urgent public health threats in tropical and subtropical areas.
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By combining efforts on biological, human and societal aspects of the disease, ITM hopes to control and ultimately eliminate malaria in the long term.
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Neglected (tropical) diseases are high on the agenda. For many years, ITM has been actively involved in research on NTDs, in particular on leishmaniasis, leprosy and sleeping sickness.
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Before vaccines or drugs can be used in the general population, their safety and effectiveness are thoroughly investigated in clinical trials.
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The research of ITM on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS is of inestimable value.
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For more than 10 years, ITM has been actively monitoring exotic mosquitoes in Belgium.
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ITM is closely monitoring the development of the mpox disease, both in Belgium and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
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We help improve sexual and reproductive health in the world by combining scientific research, advanced education, policy support and capacity-strengthening initiatives.
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ITM’s research on tuberculosis (TB) is world-renowned. Its shorter combination treatment for resistant tuberculosis was a worldwide breakthrough. Our researchers study new diagnostics and case detection techniques, with the largest public collection of TB strains in the world at their disposal.
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EcoHealth is an interdepartmental group that unites researchers from different backgrounds and disciplines. We all recognise the need for comprehensive, systemic approaches to address current health challenges that emerge at the interface between humans, animals and their broader natural, social and political environments.
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Since the beginning, ITM has been providing medical services to people returning ill from overseas. As such, ITM accumulated profound knowledge of tropical diseases, as well as STIs and HIV.
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The right to health implies that everybody, everywhere should have access to the needed essential health products, included but not limited to diagnostics, vaccines and medicines.
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Clinical, epidemiological and diagnostics studies, secondary analyses of health data and BioSamples, behavioural studies or any other studies that involve the participation of human individuals, should yield social value and be scientifically justified and ethically sound.
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In a highly interconnected world, ITM continues to innovate and develop its outbreak research capacity.
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Ebola is a deadly disease that was co-discovered in 1976 by researchers of the institute. ITM has been closely monitoring subsequent outbreaks on the African continent, as well as contributing to new developments in diagnostics and treatment.
