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
Impact of Maternal Infectious Diseases on Infant Health
Impact of Maternal Infectious Diseases on Infant Health Introduction Maternal health is pivotal for the well-being of infants, and maternal infections are a significant contributor to adverse health outcomes in newborns. Infectious diseases during pregnancy can lead...
Enhancing Rural Healthcare with Artificial Intelligence
Enhancing Rural Healthcare with Artificial Intelligence Introduction to AI in Rural Healthcare In recent years, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare has shown promising potential, particularly in rural areas where access to medical resources...
Co-Creation of Digital Health Innovations in Africa
Co-Creation of Digital Health Innovations in AfricaThe landscape of healthcare in Africa is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and the increasing recognition of the need for context-specific solutions to address unique health challenges....
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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