Dr. Cossa studies how climate change influences health issues and the spread of diseases affecting important crops like cassava in Mozambique. He investigates the integration of climate data into the national health system to enhance preparedness for health risks associated with extreme weather. Additionally, he researches various viruses impacting cassava crops, aiming to identify new strains and their genetic variations to improve detection methods and disease management strategies. He also examines non-native mammal species affecting ecosystems in the Neotropics to aid conservation efforts.
Key findings
In his 2025 study, Dr. Cossa found that the health system in Mozambique lacks effective integration of weather data, which hampers its ability to prepare for climate-related infectious disease outbreaks.
His 2019 research identified two distinct clades of cassava brown streak viruses with only 79-80% genetic similarity to known strains, helping to inform better early detection methods.
In another 2019 study, he confirmed that cassava brown streak viruses can infect wild plant species, indicating a broader range of hosts than previously understood, which can influence management strategies.
Dr. Cossa's work in 2012 revealed a high diversity of geminiviruses affecting crops such as cassava and tobacco, threatening food security in southern Africa and indicating new strains have emerged over the past 30 years.
His publication in 2020 documented 73,738 records of 77 alien mammal species introduced to the Neotropics, aiding conservationists in assessing potential risks to native wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Cossa study climate-related health issues?
Yes, he investigates how climate data can be used by Mozambique's health system to prepare for health issues linked to extreme weather.
What crops does Dr. Cossa focus on in his research?
He primarily studies cassava and the viruses that threaten its production, seeking ways to improve detection and management.
Is Dr. Cossa's work relevant for farmers?
Absolutely, his research helps farmers by providing insights on disease management for cassava and assessing the impact of climate change on health.
What species does Dr. Cossa study outside of plants?
He also researches non-native mammal species in the Neotropics, which are important for conservation efforts.
How does Dr. Cossa's research help public health?
By integrating climate data into health strategies, his work aims to improve responses to diseases exacerbated by climate change.
Publications in plain English
Integration and use of climate data by the national health system in Mozambique.
2025
The journal of climate change and health
Pinto J, Cossa N, Ferrari M, Coffey PS, Picolo M +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how Mozambique's health system uses weather and climate data to prepare for and respond to health issues caused by extreme weather. Researchers found that while the National Institute of Meteorology provides weather data, the health system does not have a way to effectively integrate this data with health information. This is important because improving this integration can help the health system better prepare for infectious disease outbreaks linked to climate change.
Who this helps: Patients and public health officials in Mozambique.
NEOTROPICAL ALIEN MAMMALS: a data set of occurrence and abundance of alien mammals in the Neotropics.
2020
Ecology
Rosa CAD, Ribeiro BR, Bejarano V, Puertas FH, Bocchiglieri A +637 more
Plain English This research examined the variety and numbers of non-native mammal species introduced to the Neotropics, which includes parts of Central and South America and the Caribbean. The study found a total of 73,738 records of 77 different mammal species, with the most common being cattle (Bos sp.), domestic pigs (Sus scrofa), and dogs (Canis familiaris). Understanding these introductions is important because it helps scientists assess potential threats to local wildlife and guide conservation efforts.
Who this helps: This benefits conservationists and researchers working to protect native species.
First report of Cassava brown streak viruses on wild plant species in Mozambique.
2019
Physiological and molecular plant pathology
Amisse JJG, Ndunguru J, Tairo F, Boykin LM, Kehoe MA +4 more
Plain English This study investigated the presence of two viruses that cause cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) in wild plants in Mozambique. Researchers found these viruses in two wild plant species and a wild relative of cassava, confirming that they can infect a wider range of plants than previously thought. This matters because it helps in developing better strategies to manage the disease, which is a major threat to cassava production in the region.
Who this helps: This benefits farmers, agricultural scientists, and anyone involved in cassava farming.
Analyses of seven new whole genome sequences of cassava brown streak viruses in Mozambique reveals two distinct clades: evidence for new species.
2019
Plant pathology
Amisse JJG, Ndunguru J, Tairo F, Ateka E, Boykin LM +4 more
Plain English This study looked at the genetic makeup of seven new viruses that cause cassava brown streak disease in Mozambique, which affects the important cassava crop. Researchers found that these viruses can be divided into two distinct groups (or clades) that are genetically different from each other and from previously known strains, with only about 79-80% similarity in their genetic sequences. Understanding these differences is important because it can help develop better tests for early detection and management of this disease, which threatens food security.
Who this helps: This helps farmers and agricultural scientists working to protect cassava crops.
Diversity of dicotyledenous-infecting geminiviruses and their associated DNA molecules in southern Africa, including the South-west Indian ocean islands.
2012
Viruses
Rey ME, Ndunguru J, Berrie LC, Paximadis M, Berry S +8 more
Plain English This study looks into a group of plant viruses known as geminiviruses that cause significant damage to crops in southern Africa and nearby islands. The researchers found that these viruses are very diverse and can affect important crops like tobacco, cassava, and tomatoes, threatening food security in the area. Specifically, new types of these viruses have emerged over the past 30 years, raising concerns about agricultural production.
Who this helps: This benefits farmers and agricultural experts working to protect crops and ensure food availability in southern Africa.
Joseph Ndunguru Judite Pinto Mara Ferrari Patricia S Coffey Melanie Picolo Tatiana Marrufo Ana Paula Cardoso Clarissa Alves da Rosa Bruno R Ribeiro Vanesa Bejarano
Physician data sourced from the
NPPES NPI Registry
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Publication data from
PubMed
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Plain-English summaries generated by AI.
Not medical advice.