This Special Issue of the Institute for Medical Research Journal (IMRJ), themed “Vector-Borne and Infectious Diseases: From Ecology to Public Health,” brings together research addressing key aspects of infectious and vector-borne diseases, encompassing epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, vector biology, disease surveillance, and public health. The issue represents a significant milestone for IMRJ as its first Special Issue comprising manuscripts arising entirely from research conducted under the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Parasitology and Entomology (PGDAPE) and Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Microbiology (PGDMM) programmes within the SEAMEO TROPMED Network. Collectively, these contributions demonstrate the value of multidisciplinary research, postgraduate training, scientific mentorship, and regional collaboration in generating evidence to better understand infectious diseases and strengthen public health responses.

This issue presents a diverse collection of studies in infectious diseases, clinical diagnostics, and biomedical research. Featured topics include porphyria cutanea tarda, tuberculosis among diabetic patients, Zika virus detection in mosquito populations, mental health literacy among adolescents, and suicide research trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue also highlights advancements in laboratory diagnostic techniques, machine learning applications in health research, nutritional and biological studies involving extra virgin olive oil, as well as case reports and epidemiological investigations relevant to contemporary healthcare challenges.