Improving disease diagnostics in Africa
DIDIDA, or Digital Innovations and Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases in Africa, is a European Union and United Kingdom Research and Innovation funded project developing reliable, low-cost and mobile phone-connected tests to help detect multiple diseases at once in sub-Saharan Africa.
This collaborative project between Europe and Africa also aims to strengthen research and innovation capacity in Africa through training, staff exchanges, PhD scholarships and events.
The DIDIDA project
1
Detecting multiple diseases at once with new, highly sensitive tests
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Collecting data and assisting health professionals with app-linked diagnostics
3
Improving research capacity in Africa through collaboration
About the consortium
The consortium has been drawn together to provide the expertise and momentum to deliver a step change in infectious disease diagnostics, digital medicine and mobile health technology.
Key figures
Countries involved from Europe and Africa
6M€ from EU and 2M€ from UKRI
PhDs funded
Project delivery
News & Events
Understanding Co-morbidities Between Malaria and Non-Communicable Diseases
Understanding Co-morbidities Between Malaria and Non-Communicable DiseasesIntroduction Malaria remains one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it causes considerable morbidity and mortality....
Socioeconomic Criteria for Disease Diagnostic Prioritization in Africa
Socioeconomic Criteria for Disease Diagnostic Prioritization in AfricaIntroduction The burden of disease in Africa is immense, exacerbated by limited healthcare resources, high prevalence of infectious diseases, and socioeconomic challenges. Prioritizing which...
Mobile Phone-Based Reading of Diagnostic Test Results
Mobile Phone-Based Reading of Diagnostic Test ResultsIn the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, mobile technology has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of diagnostic processes. This article explores the integration of...
Infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death in Africa, while non-communicable diseases are on the rise
At the same time, NCDs are putting increasing pressure on healthcare services. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes are increasingly becoming the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa.
Improving detection and prevention tools is an important measure to reduce the growing burden of these diseases, especially in areas far from health care centres.
What are infectious diseases?
Infectious diseases are caused by micro-organisms: bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. They can be transmitted directly or indirectly from one person to another, for example through insect bites, ingestion of contaminated water or food…
What is the burden of non-communicable diseases?
Non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes are increasingly becoming the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa. They were responsible for 37% of deaths in 2019, up from 24% in 2000 according to the WHO…
What is a lateral flow test?
Lateral flow tests are a fast, reliable and low-cost tool for disease testing. A swab is taken and mixed with an extraction fluid, then a drop of this mixture is placed in a a small device. If protein or nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) of a disease is detected, a red line appears…
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