This Thematic Group focuses on strengthening and strategically advancing Cochrane’s work in infectious diseases, one of the four research priority areas identified in Cochrane’s scientific strategy.
About us
Infectious diseases continue to pose major global health challenges, from longstanding endemic conditions to newly emerging infections, the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, and the urgent need for rapid, evidence-informed responses to outbreaks and potential pandemics. This Group aims to bring together expertise from across Cochrane and our wider global networks to address these challenges in a coordinated and strategic way.
We will work collaboratively across relevant Cochrane Review Groups, Fields, and Evidence Synthesis Units, as well as across world-class infectious disease research networks to help identify priority topics, support the development, translation and dissemination of high-quality evidence syntheses, and strengthen sustainable global collaboration. With a focus on aligning evidence production with global needs, the Infectious Diseases Thematic Group will contribute to making Cochrane evidence more relevant, responsive, and impactful for infectious disease prevention, treatment, and control worldwide.
Our team
The following individuals form the leadership team of this thematic group:
- Barbara Miheso, KEMRI, Knowledge Translation Co-Lead
- Lilian Mayieka, KEMRI, Knowledge Translation Co- Lead
- Lesly Chávez Rimache, NIH Peru, Patient and Public Involvement Lead
- Tilly Fox, LSTM, Priority Setting and Methods Lead
- Shevin Jacob, LSTM, Infectious Disease Specialist Panel Co-Lead
- Tom Fletcher, LSTM, Infectious Disease Specialist Panel Co-Lead
- Tansy Edwards, LSTM, Statistical Advisor
Our plans
Our aim for the first 18 months is to focus on the following objectives:
- Develop a transparent, evidence-informed priority-setting process to identify the most critical areas for evidence synthesis within infectious diseases whilst minimizing duplication and maximizing global impact.
- Strengthen Global South leadership and capacity in infectious disease related evidence synthesis by embedding equitable North–South and South–South collaboration in review production, mentorship, and leadership development.
- Support and accelerate the development of high-priority infectious disease evidence syntheses by providing structured methodological, statistical, and project management support to author teams to ensure timely delivery of priority reviews.
- Enhance impact through interest-holder engagement, knowledge translation, and methods innovation by develop mechanisms to ensure that Cochrane infectious disease evidence is relevant, accessible, and methodologically forward-looking.
Contact us
For more information about our work or to get involved with the Cochrane Thematic Group in Infectious Diseases, please contact us at: Cochraneinfectiousdiseases@kemri.go.ke.
