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Edson Mathias Protas is a Tanzanian Environmental and Occupational Health scientist, Assistant Lecturer, and Public Relations Officer at the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). He holds a Master of Environmental and Occupational Health and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Sciences from MUHAS. His research interests include environmental exposures, occupational health and safety, climate-related health risks, digital health, and artificial intelligence applications in public health. He has experience in community-based research, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and scientific communication.
Edson Mathias Protas’ research interests focus on the intersection of environmental health, occupational health, digital health, artificial intelligence (AI), and public health innovation. His work aims to generate evidence and develop practical solutions for addressing environmental and health challenges, particularly in low-resource settings. He is interested in understanding how environmental and occupational exposures influence disease patterns and how emerging technologies can be applied to improve disease prevention, early detection, and public health decision-making.
His current research activities include the application of machine learning and predictive analytics for non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention, with a particular focus on hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and cardiovascular disease risk assessment. He is also involved in research on air pollution exposure assessment and its health impacts, exploring the relationship between environmental pollutants and cardiovascular health outcomes in urban populations.
In the field of occupational health, Edson conducts research on workplace hazards, including occupational noise exposure, ergonomic risks, and other environmental factors affecting workers’ health and safety. His research activities also extend to climate change and health, food safety, microbial contamination, and environmental determinants of infectious diseases.
Beyond academic research, he participates in community-based research, stakeholder engagement, capacity-building activities, and implementation science initiatives aimed at translating scientific evidence into public health practice. He has contributed to research projects supported by organizations such as UNICEF Tanzania and the East Africa Centre of Excellence for Cardiovascular Sciences (EA-COECVS), focusing on environmental health, WASH, and cardiovascular disease prevention. Through his research and professional activities, Edson seeks to advance innovative, data-driven, and sustainable approaches for improving environmental and population health in Tanzania and beyond.
Edson Mathias Protas has been involved in several research, consultancy, and public health projects focusing on environmental health, occupational safety, disease prevention, and innovative health solutions. His project activities combine scientific research, community engagement, and evidence-based interventions to address emerging public health challenges.
Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease Burden in Urban Tanzania: A Hybrid Study to Quantify Environmental Exposure, Risks and Care Linkage
Edson is involved in this research project under the East Africa Centre of Excellence for Cardiovascular Sciences (EA-COECVS) Phase II project, focusing on understanding the relationship between urban air pollution exposure and cardiovascular disease outcomes. The project integrates environmental exposure assessment, epidemiological approaches, and health system perspectives to generate evidence for prevention and improved management of cardiovascular diseases in Tanzania.
WASH FIT & Three-Star Approach Documentation Project (2026)
Edson participated in the documentation project supported by the UNICEF Tanzania Country Office, focusing on assessing and documenting Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) improvements in healthcare facilities. The project contributes to strengthening infection prevention, healthcare quality, and sustainable WASH practices through evidence generation and knowledge sharing.
Edson Mathias Protas has contributed to scientific publications addressing key areas of environmental health, occupational health, climate change, food safety, and public health. His recent research activities demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach to understanding environmental and workplace exposures and their implications for human health.
Lwaho S., Protas E., Nyarubeli I., Mwelange L., Chombo S., Asenga E., et al. (2026). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and contributing factors among social security workers in Dar es Salaam: A cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Public Health.
This study investigated the burden of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among social security workers and examined occupational factors contributing to these health problems, providing evidence for improving workplace health promotion and ergonomic interventions in Tanzania.
Protas E., Witness A., Nyarubeli I., Tungu A.M., Mamuya S., Asenga E., & Lwaho S. (2026). Effect of Earplug Intervention on Temporary Threshold Shift Among Small-Scale Metal Workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Annals of Work Exposures and Health. (Manuscript under review)
This research evaluates the effectiveness of hearing protection interventions among small-scale metal workers by assessing occupational noise exposure and temporary changes in hearing thresholds. The study contributes evidence toward strengthening occupational noise control strategies and worker protection.
Punguti, Protas E., et al. (2026). A scoping review of disinfection methods and microbial decontamination outcomes on mobile communication devices. Bulletin of the National Research Centre. (Published)
This review explored existing evidence on microbial contamination of mobile communication devices and evaluated different approaches used for disinfection and infection prevention, highlighting the importance of environmental hygiene in reducing potential health risks.
Mapande I., Punguti O., Chebyala A., Protas E., Teshna N., Bachwenkizi J., & Msemakwell J.G. (2025). Effect of Climate Change on Diarrhoea Diseases among Under-Five Children: A Scoping Review. East African Journal of Health and Science, 8(1), 111–127.
This publication examined the relationship between climate change-related environmental changes and diarrhoeal disease risks among children under five years, emphasizing the importance of climate-resilient public health strategies.
Protas E., et al. Adherence to proper meat hygiene practices and its associated factors among butchery shop operators in Ilala, Tanzania. Heliyon (Cell Press, Elsevier). (Under review)
This study assesses food safety practices among meat handlers and identifies factors influencing compliance with hygiene standards, contributing to improved food safety and prevention of foodborne diseases.
