Alice, an expert in medical entomology, studies mosquitoes and other insects that spread diseases such as malaria and arboviral infections. Today, she talks about her work, helping public health teams understand where disease vectors are found and how they respond to insecticides.
Hello Alice. Welcome to Words That Count. Adelaide Miarinjara spoke highly of your impact in medical entomology. We can’t wait to learn about your work
Thank you for this opportunity to share my STEM journey through your work.
Let’s begin with a brief introduction about yourself
My name is SUZANANTSOA Alice Zilera. I am Malagasy, residing in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
I currently work as a Medical Entomologist and Head of the Medical Entomology Laboratory at the Ministry of Public Health in Madagascar. My work focuses mainly on malaria vector surveillance, insecticide resistance monitoring, and surveillance of vectors of arboviral diseases. I also supervise laboratory activities, support research and training, and contribute to strengthening entomological surveillance for public health decision-making.
Walk us through your journey into medical entomology. How did you learn about this career path?
As a child, I was incredibly curious. I was never satisfied with simply accepting what I was told—I always asked, “Why?” I loved observing the world around me, learning how things worked, and discovering new ideas. Although I never dreamed of becoming a scientist, I always knew I wanted a career that would allow me to keep learning, travel, work in health, and make a meaningful contribution to society. I also enjoyed sharing what I learned with others.
After completing high school, choosing science felt like the natural path because it combined everything I loved. That was; curiosity, discovery, and the opportunity to improve people’s lives.
At university, I chose entomology, even though it was one of the least known and least popular fields in Madagascar. Very few students were interested in it, but I found it fascinating. The more I learned about insects and their role in transmitting diseases, the more convinced I became that this was the right field for me.
A turning point in my journey came when I received a scholarship from the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD). This opportunity allowed me to specialize in Medical and Veterinary Entomology. It was the perfect combination of my childhood passions—science, health, research, continuous learning, and work that could have a direct impact on people’s lives.
Today, as a medical entomologist, I feel that I am living the dream I did not know I had as a little girl. Every day brings new questions to answer, new knowledge to discover, and new opportunities to contribute to protecting communities from vector-borne diseases while inspiring and mentoring the next generation of scientists.
What are some of the challenges you have faced while building your career in medical entomology?
Being a woman in science means that every step forward can feel like a challenge.
Throughout my career, I have learned that proving your abilities often requires working twice as hard and remaining resilient in the face of obstacles.
Another major challenge has been working in public health, where scientific evidence is not always the only factor guiding decisions. In many situations, administrative, financial, or political considerations can influence priorities. This makes it difficult to ensure that scientific findings are translated into action. As a scientist, this can be frustrating because we dedicate our work to generating reliable evidence that can protect communities and improve health outcomes.
I have also experienced moments when hard work and technical expertise were not always recognized as they deserved. Recognition does not always come as quickly as the effort invested.
However, these experiences have strengthened rather than discouraged me. They have taught me to stay focused on the quality of my work, to continue advocating for evidence-based public health, and to believe that meaningful change takes time.
What keeps me going is a simple belief: little by little, the bird builds its nest. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to something greater. I may not be able to change everything overnight, but I believe that if each of us does our part with integrity and dedication, progress is possible.
My greatest vision is that one day I will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful changes in public health and strengthen the role of science in decision-making. Until then, I will continue doing my part—one study, one training session, one laboratory improvement, and one young scientist inspired at a time
What is your greatest source of inspiration, whether in your line of work or life in general
What inspires me to move forward is the opportunity to contribute to something that will outlive me. I believe that our work today creates opportunities for the next generation of scientists.
When I started my career, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) laboratory did not yet exist. It became a reality because visionary people before us believed it was possible and worked hard to build it. Today, I see myself as part of that continuing journey. My responsibility is not only to benefit from what my predecessors created, but also to strengthen it, improve it, and leave it in a better state for those who will come after me.
Research inspires me because every discovery, every improvement in laboratory capacity, and every young scientist we train contributes to a stronger public health system. I hope that the next generation will have more opportunities than we had, better laboratories, better training, and greater support to reach their full potential.
I believe that progress is built from one generation to the next. We inherit a vision, we improve it, and we pass it on. If my work can help create more opportunities for future scientists—especially young women in STEM—then I will have achieved something truly meaningful.
Tell us about some of the most prestigious moments in your medical entomology career
One of the most meaningful milestones in my career has been becoming the Head of the Medical Entomology Laboratory at Madagascar’s National Malaria Control Programme. This role has given me the opportunity not only to conduct research but also to contribute to strengthening laboratory capacity and entomological surveillance for vector-borne diseases.
Another proud achievement has been contributing to the development of medical entomology in Madagascar. Through research, laboratory strengthening, and the training of students and young professionals, I have been able to help build local expertise in a field that remains relatively small but is essential for public health.
I have also been honored to participate in international scientific meetings and collaborations, reflecting recognition of my scientific work. These opportunities have reinforced my confidence that research conducted in Madagascar can contribute to global knowledge and public health.
Perhaps the achievement I value most is seeing the people I have mentored grow into confident professionals. Knowing that I have helped inspire and support the next generation of scientists is more rewarding than any personal award.
For me, success is not measured only by titles or recognition. It is measured by the impact of my work, the laboratories we strengthen, the evidence we generate, and the opportunities we create for those who will follow us.
Who is Alice outside of the medical entomology environment?
Outside of work, I am first and foremost a mother, a woman, a sister, and a friend. These roles are just as important to me as being a scientist because they remind me every day of the value of compassion, patience, and human connection.
Even outside the laboratory, I remain the same curious person, but I express it in a more social way. I enjoy listening to people, sharing experiences, encouraging others, and learning from every conversation. I love spending time with my family and friends, and I believe that the strongest relationships are built through kindness, trust, and mutual support.
I also enjoy mentoring young people and sharing my knowledge whenever I can. Whether I am speaking with students, colleagues, or members of my community, I believe that science should not stay inside laboratories. It should be shared, understood, and used to improve people’s lives.
Being a scientist is what I do, but it is not all that I am. Outside of work, I strive to be a caring mother, a supportive sister, a loyal friend, and someone who inspires others through both my actions and my values.
What is your favorite quote?
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche.
“When one door closes, another door opens” ~ Alexander Graham Bell.
What is your word of encouragement for a young girl interested in medical entomology?
There will be days when the pressure feels overwhelming, and you may begin to doubt yourself, wondering whether you should continue or stop. If one day you are faced with a difficult choice, stay calm and keep a clear vision of what you want for your future.
Never let someone else make that choice for you, no matter how strong the pressure is. Stay true to yourself, remain resilient, and follow the path you have always wanted to take.
STEM is an exciting field, with so much still to discover, explore, and contribute to. Believe in yourself, trust your abilities, and never be afraid to pursue your dreams.
It has been wonderful learning about your work, Alice. Thank you for the impact you are making in the medical entomology field and public health in general. We look forward to celebrating you more in the future.
