Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) Master of Science in Tropical Medicine scholar-graduate, Ms. Beatriz Aira C. Jacob was awarded the Innovative Thesis Award 2025 – Satisfactory Level by Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand on 2 August 2025. The recognition highlights the relevance and potential impact of her graduate research, which introduces a portable method for detecting glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) mutations.

The research entitled, “Rapid and Reliable Detection of G6PD Mutations Using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Coupled with Lateral Flow Strip,” presents a simple, portable tool for screening G6PD deficiency, a common hereditary condition that, when undiagnosed, can lead to severe health complications. The method enables early detection in resource-limited settings, offering a critical solution for communities without access to advanced laboratory infrastructure.

According to a study published in PLOS Medicine,¹ G6PD deficiency affects an estimated 400 million people worldwide, with prevalence in parts of Asia and the Pacific, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, ranging from approximately 3% to over 25%. Individuals with the condition may experience adverse reactions to certain medications or foods, making early diagnosis essential. Ms. Jacob’s research published in Clinica Chimica Acta² last May, holds promise for integration into public healthcare systems , particularly in remote health centers.

Her work was selected based on its clarity of design, practical application, and alignment to Thailand’s national priorities. “My thesis addresses a condition that often goes undetected until it causes harm, and was designed with accessibility in mind. I am grateful that it was recognized for its value. Receiving this award affirms the purpose behind the work,” Ms. Jacob shared.

The award also reflects the readiness of her research for implementation in both industrial and community settings. It supports Thailand’s 20-Year National Strategy, which promotes research that directly improves everyday life. In the Philippines, her work aligns with DOST-PCHRD’s Diagnostics Program and the Health Technology and Innovation theme of the 2023–2028 National Unified Health Research Agenda, both prioritize the development of tools for disease screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.

Once validated locally, her findings could significantly enhance newborn screening programs for bilirubin encephalopathy and bolster malaria elimination efforts. The genetic surveillance of G6PD deficiency could also inform public health guidelines on drug and food safety, reducing clinical risks associated with gene mutation.

Ms. Jacob is currently pursuing her PhD in Tropical Medicine at Mahidol University, continuing her journey as a DOST-PCHRD scholar. The Council’s graduate scholarship programs support Filipino students in advanced studies across tropical medicine, molecular medicine, cohort studies, liver research, and health research. These scholars are trained in top institutions locally and abroad, returning with expertise that strengthens the public health system in the country.
DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya emphasized the significance of such achievements, “Recognitions like Ms. Jacob’s reaffirms the importance of the Council’s local and international partnerships. By nurturing scholars, we build a pool of experts who can inform better practices in public health through research and development.”

Ms. Jacob’s journey, from a Filipino scholar-graduate abroad to an award-winning researcher, is a reminder that science education, when matched with opportunity and support, can open paths to contributions in public health and research.
For more information about the Council’s scholarship programs, kindly visit our website at https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph.

Footnotes:
¹ Howes, R. E., Dewi, M., Piel, F. B., Monteiro, W. M., Battle, K. E., Messina, J. P., et al. (2012). Spatial distribution of G6PD deficiency variants across malaria-endemic regions. PLOS Medicine.
² Jacob, B. A. C. (2025). Rapid and Reliable Detection of G6PD Mutations Using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Coupled with Lateral Flow Strip, Clinica Chimica Acta.