DIDIDA Research topics
The DIDIDA project combines health research, socio-economic studies and digital innovation in 17 research topics.
1. Assessment of health economics to prioritise which infectious diseases suit multiplexing
Partners involved:
Strathmore Business School, KCMC/KCRI, APHRC, AIGHD
Description:
This research project aims to assess the health economics of infectious diseases to prioritize diseases for multiplexing. The study will utilize previous health benefits package costings from Kenya to rate the priorities for which diseases best suit a multiplex test from an economic perspective, comparing Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The research will also involve developing a business model for the multiplex test and a framework for local institutional and consumer markets. Later in the program, an economic evaluation of the DIDIDA multiplex diagnostic(s) will be undertaken in the digital health ecosystem supported by PharmAccess in Kisumu, Kenya.
2. Assessment of health economics to understand the impact of zoonoses infectious diseases in Tanzania
Partners involved:
KCMC/KCRI, Strathmore Business School, AIGHD, UoG
Description:
This research project will assesses the impact of zoonotic infectious diseases on the health economics of Tanzania. It will utilize previous studies conducted in Kenya as a basis for understanding healthcare economics of zoonoses. The project includes a desk-top review, South-South visits, and health economy courses. The results will support the development of effective policies and interventions to mitigate the impact of zoonotic diseases.
3. Determinants of adoption of diagnostic innovations in sub-Saharan Africa (policy/regulation and broader ecosystem factors)
Partners involved:
Strathmore Business School, University of Glasgow, AIGHD
Description:
This research project will examines the factors that determine the adoption of diagnostic innovations in sub-Saharan Africa, including policy and ecosystem factors. The study includes a review of socio-economic determinants of adoption, case studies on the adoption of other Point of Care diagnosis technologies, and prospective studies on facilitators and barriers to acceptability and access. The findings will inform effective strategies to increase the adoption of diagnostic innovations, improving healthcare outcomes in the region.
4. Understanding the socioeconomic criteria and considerations for prioritizing infectious disease diagnostics
Partners involved:
APHRC, Strathmore Business School, University of Glasgow, AIGHD
Description:
This research aims to understand the socioeconomic criteria for prioritizing infectious disease diagnostics and the potential consequences of task-shifting induced by DIDIDA innovations. The study will also explore the role of the private sector in deploying and using multiplex RDTs, as well as how these diagnostics fit into the wider health system for the diagnosis and management of co-morbidities. Employing a qualitative exploratory approach, the project will use key informant interviews and a literature review to provide insights into the topic.
5. Co-creation to understand socio cultural acceptance of digital innovations in african settings
Partners involved:
APHRC, Strathmore Business School, University of Glasgow, AIGHD
Description:
This research project aims to understand the sociocultural acceptance of digital innovations and diagnostics in African settings through co-creation. The project will start with a review of pre-prototypes of molecular tests in the intermediate pilot phase, followed by investigating aspects of sociocultural acceptance in Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda. A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative research on the social dimension of molecular tests, including rapid diagnostic tests, will be conducted. A mixed-methods study will also be undertaken to investigate the trends in the current use of RDTs in health facilities and for home-based care in Kenya and other countries.
6. Towards a One Health diagnostics and dashboard for infectious disease in Kisumu County, Western Kenya
Partners involved:
KEMRI, KCMC/KCRI, University of Glasgow, AIGHD
Description:
The proposed research project aims to develop a One Health diagnostics and dashboard for infectious diseases in Kisumu County, western Kenya. It includes a review of wastewater epidemiology in selected African countries, the collection of real-time data on pathogens in wastewater and domestic animals, and the integration of this data into digital dashboards to inform policy makers at county and national levels. Additionally, the project aims to contribute to the development of a surveillance system to monitor antimicrobial resistance in wastewater, and the computational analysis of obtained sequence data throughout the project. Overall, this research project aims to provide valuable insights into infectious disease epidemiology in Kisumu County and contribute to the development of effective interventions to prevent and control disease outbreaks across the wider region.
7. Wastewater epidemiology to understand community disease burden in Tanzania
Partners involved:
KCMC/KCRI, KEMRI, University of Glasgow, INBB
Description:
This research project aims to utilize wastewater epidemiology to understand community disease burden in Tanzania. It will explore the potential of wastewater system monitoring for epidemic preparedness and malaria disease control. Additionally, the study will confirm the specificity of potential biomarkers from wastewater, which can be used as an alternative to expensive and invasive tissue-based techniques. Gene mutations of pathogens isolated from wastewater systems will also be monitored to investigate their potential for altering the expression of definitive biomarkers. The project aims to develop a system with the capacity to detect outbreaks early and provide real-time information on the incidence and prevalence of disease-causing agents in the environment.
8. Multiplex molecular testing as a fly chip
Partners involved:
Institut Pasteur de Dakar, UVRI, University of Glasgow & INBB
Description:
This PhD opportunity focuses on the development and evaluation of a new diagnostic tool for the simultaneous detection of dengue and yellow fever viruses. The tool utilizes a multiplex molecular testing approach, integrated into a paper-based chip format. The diagnostic chip, also known as the “Fly Chip”, uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology to enable rapid and accurate detection of both viral pathogens. The project will involve the design, development, and optimization of the Fly Chip, as well as its validation through laboratory and field testing.
9. Multiplex molecular testing for zoonosis and One Health
Partners involved:
KCMC/KCRI, KEMRI, University of Glasgow
Description:
This research project aims to develop a surveillance system to monitor zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance in Tanzania using multiplex molecular testing. The project will collect data, in semi-real time, of pathogens in both domestic animals and humans through health facilities, specifically detecting two bacterial infections, leptospirosis, and brucella, using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique on paper test strips. The study will assess the acceptability, affordability, and ease of paper strip usage in low-resource settings where sophisticated laboratory equipment is not available. The project will also contribute to the development of computational analysis of the obtained sequence data to enable better understanding of zoonotic disease transmission patterns and antimicrobial resistance in Tanzania.
10. Better rapid diagnostic test for common causes of febrile illness in African Children
Partners involved:
KEMRI, University of Glasgow, AIGHD
Description:
This PhD project aims to develop better rapid diagnostic tests for common causes of febrile illness in African children. The project includes a review of available diagnostics, identification of conserved genomic regions, design of a Malaria Plus test, and field implementation and evaluation of the developed test’s feasibility, acceptability, user experience, turn-around-time, and costs. The results will contribute to the development of accurate, cost-effective, and easy-to-use diagnostic tools, improving public health in low-resource settings.
11. Mother-child health – utilising digital technologies to capture non-communicable diseases and infectious exposures during pregnancy
Partners involved:
UVRI , KCMC/KCRI, University of Glasgow
Description:
This research project focuses on a significant cohort in Uganda consisting of mother-child pairs, with the aim of studying hypertension and diabetes as easily measurable and available biomarkers of health. The project will also explore the use of mobility as a biomarker of health, using wearables to track physical activity and movement. The goal of this research is to gain a better understanding of the relationship between chronic diseases and physical activity in this population, with the ultimate aim of improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of disease.
12. Sentinel testing using molecular tests
Partners involved:
Institut Pasteur de Dakar, UVRI, University of Glasgow
Description:
This project focuses on building sentinel networks using molecular tests to detect and monitor infectious diseases. The aim of the project is to develop a digital platform that enables the real-time tracking and reporting of infectious diseases, with the potential to improve disease surveillance and control efforts. The research will involve the design and validation of molecular tests for multiple pathogens, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases.
13. Studying the impact of microbiota on infectious enteric diseases human colon-on-chip device
Partners involved:
Institut Pasteur, KCMC/KCRI
Description:
This project investigates the impact of microbiota on infectious enteric diseases using organ-on-chip device and mathematical modeling. The aim is to understand the relationship between bacterial microbiota and E. histolytica, and potentially expand to other pathogens, using imaging, cell biology, and computational approaches. The project will be a collaboration between KCMC/KCRI for the collection and analysis of microbiota samples, and Institut Pasteur to study the influence of microbiota on the intestinal epithelium and the outcome of amoebiasis.
14. Manufacturing and Technology: Redesigning hourglass production for molecular testing with a user-centered approach
Partners involved:
Institut Pasteur de Dakar, GADx, University of Glasgow
Description:
This PhD opportunity involves redesigning hourglass manufacturing with a user-centered design approach, focusing on molecular tests and also exploring the development of a framework for imaging and cloud-based infrastructure, starting with existing tests. The project will ensure that the hourglass design is appropriate for molecular testing in low-resource settings.
15. Digital dashboards for the utilization and dissemination of electronic tools in the diagnosis of communicable and non-communicable disease and linkage to care and treatment in Tanzania
Partners involved:
KCMC/KCRI, University of Glasgow, AIGHD
Description:
This research project aims to improve access and quality of healthcare services for communicable and non-communicable diseases through digital innovation. The project includes engineering dashboards and interfaces to include pattern recognition and decision support, as well as database uploads. The project will engage with key stakeholders to evaluate initial prototypes and design implementation phases.
16. Digital Health in Uganda: Harnessing Wearable Technology and Machine Learning to Assess and Predict the Effects of Infections and Lifestyle Factors on Diabetes Control
Partners involved:
UVRI, University of Glasgow
Description:
Diabetes management in Uganda has traditionally depended on intermittent clinical observations and patient self-reports, a method with inherent limitations. This research proposes a different approach by leveraging wearable technology to continuously monitor physiological parameters, including blood glucose levels, signs of common infections, and lifestyle patterns. The vast data collected will be analysed using advanced machine learning algorithms to uncover intricate relationships between infectious diseases, lifestyle factors, and diabetes control. The ultimate objective is to refine and personalize diabetes management strategies in Uganda, providing insights for timely interventions and improving overall patient outcomes. Through this study, we aim to blend cutting-edge technological advancements with medical practices, aspiring to redefine the paradigm of diabetic care in the region.
17. Multiplex molecular testing for schistosomiasis-malaria duplex
Partners involved:
UVRI, UMH, University of Glasgow,
Description:
This research project aims to develop a multiplex molecular testing approach for the diagnosis of two major infectious diseases prevalent in tropical African countries: malaria and schistosomiasis. Currently, diagnostic tools for these diseases are either expensive or not easily accessible, particularly in remote locations. This project proposes to integrate a multiplex test for malaria and schistosomiasis on a single device, using lateral flow diagnostic tools that can be deployed at the point-of-care in communities. The student involved in this project will be closely involved in the development and validation of the multiplexed test, using proof-of-concept LAMP technologies. The goal of this project is to demonstrate the value of such advanced tests in the field and to improve diagnosis and management of these infectious diseases in African communities.
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