Dit Massaire Soumare obtained the PharmD degree in Pharmacy from The University of Technical Sciences and Technologies of Bamako-Mali in 2010. He did his thesis on the monitoring and effectiveness of the indoor residual spraying in two districts at the Entomological Department at the Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC) in Mali. From 2010 to 2012 Harouna worked as a co-investigator of several entomological studies.
Harouna started working as an Entomologist in 2012 at MRTC were he rose through the ranks to become the Entomology Manager. He was responsible for the overall management of the insectary at MRTC in addition to overseeing a number of malaria entomology studies. During the course of his study, Harouna gained experience in several techniques for the identification, sampling and io-ecology of malaria vectors, and on vector control methods. Processes carried out include breeding, sampling and field mosquito colony transport for biological effectiveness tests. These include PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) and ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) techniques for malaria vectors species, human blood source identification and infection status. Harouna is experienced in insecticide sensitivity testing in relation to IRS (indoor residual spraying) according to WHO guidelines. He has participated in several national and international workshops on malaria control.

Harouna has over seven years of post-graduate experience in insectary management and, entomological investigation. From 2012 to 2018 he has conducted and lead a team conducting direct membrane feeding assay (DMFA), mosquito dissections, oocytes lectures, positive guts storage, strong data collection, sample conditioning and shipment. In 2014 he participated at the first international DMFA workshop in Yaoundé.

MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM Entomology Laboratory Department will benefit from Harouna’s vast knowledge and experience. He will be providing support in areas of entomology for all our malaria projects. Harouna would like to pursue his PhD in Entomology. He hopes to contribute to the development of the next generation of scientists and entomologist in the West African region to assist in combating infectious diseases.

Harouna believes that continuous training of young scientist to face and challenge entomological malaria control especially in Africa and in the world is needed.