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
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Detecting multiple diseases at once with new, highly sensitive tests
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Collecting data and assisting health professionals with app-linked diagnostics
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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
The State and Challenges of Diagnostic Technology Manufacturing in Africa
The State and Challenges of Diagnostic Technology Manufacturing in AfricaIntroduction The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the vulnerabilities in global health systems, particularly in Africa, where the continent has faced significant challenges in accessing essential...
Prizes for two of our Didida researchers
Prizes for two of our Didida researchers Two of our African Didida researchers received a prize for their research work.Prof. Blandina Mmbaga honored with the Maria Kamm Best Female Scientist Award Prof. Blandina Mmbaga was honored with the prestigious MARIA KAMM BEST...
Enhancing Public Health Surveillance: Highlights from the IDSR Training Workshop with DIDIDA and MoH
Enhancing Public Health Surveillance: Highlights from the IDSR Training Workshop with DIDIDA and MoHThe Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) training workshop The Kenyan Ministry of Health through the national disease surveillance, the Kisumu County...
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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