Clinical Research Directory

Expanding Access to Preventive Chemotherapy Among Mobile and Migrant Populations

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are among the most common groups of diseases affecting over one billion people globally and are disproportionately concentrated in remote, underserved, and marginalized communities. Efforts toward NTD elimination have largely relied on preventive chemotherapy (PC), large-scale distribution of free, safe, and effective medicines to at-risk populations. One major challenge threatening elimination efforts is the poor participation of mobile and migrant populations (MMPs) in treatment programs. Despite this gap, few studies have explored strategies to improve access among these underserved populations. This study aims to determine the burden of NTDs among MMPs and explore strategies for expanding access to preventive chemotherapy through social and occupational networks using community mapping and participatory action research approaches in Nigeria. This project is a multi-site implementation research study involving 15 communities across three Nigerian states-Taraba, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo-representing pastoralist, fishing, and agrarian settings, respectively. The study comprises four phases. The first two formative phases will assess the baseline burden of NTDs and coverage of preventive chemotherapy interventions using community surveys, parasitological and serological assessments, mapping, and participatory workshops to identify migration patterns, anchor points, and social and occupational networks that could support expansion of PC. The third phase will use participatory approaches to co-construct context-specific strategies for expanding access to preventive chemotherapy among MMPs. In the fourth phase, the co-developed strategies will be implemented and evaluated for impact using established implementation research frameworks and mixed methods approaches. Through this project, investigators will develop and evaluate a novel strategy for expanding access to PC among MMPs. The study will generate evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, reach, and sustainability of the proposed approach and is expected to inform adaptable implementation models for inclusive NTD programming in Nigeria and similar endemic settings.

Early Detection and AI-Based Management of Skin-Related Neglected Tropical Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa by Frontline Health Workers

Skin-related Neglected Tropical Diseases (Skin NTDs) affect about 1.8 billion people worldwide, particularly in poor and rural communities where healthcare access is limited. Many people rely on frontline health workers (FHWs) for treatment, but these workers often lack specialized training in skin diseases, making diagnosis difficult. To address this challenge, the SkincAIr project is testing whether a mobile app powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can help FHWs improve their ability to detect Skin NTDs. The study will be conducted in two arms. In the first clinical image data collection arm (36 months), dermatologists in 5 countries (Kenya, Ethiopia, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria) will collect images of skin NTD and other skin conditions that will be used for development and training of the AI model within the SkincAIr app before it is tested among FHWs. The second validation study arm will take place in 3 countries (Kenya, Ethiopia and Senegal), and will involve 50 FHWs and around 750 patients in each country over 24 months. During the first 12 months (Phase A), FHWs will diagnose patients using standard methods without the app, establishing baseline performance on key indicators including diagnostic accuracy, time to diagnosis, referral patterns, and cost implications of improved primary-level diagnosis. For the following 6 months (Phase B), FHWs will use the SkincAIr app with AI functionality activated to support diagnosis and enable real-time geolocated disease mapping and hotspot identification. In the final 6 months (Phase C), the app is withdrawn to assess whether FHWs retain their improved diagnostic skills. We will summarize the results using simple numbers and charts to show how often things happen and what the average results look like. Researchers will evaluate how well the app improves diagnosis by FHWs and whether FHWs retain their improved skills even after AI support is removed, by comparing their results with those of a skin specialist (dermatologist). Interviews and group discussions will be recorded, written down, organized into key ideas, and carefully reviewed using a computer program to understand the main themes. Study findings will be shared with National Ministries of Health, presented at local and international conferences, and reported to relevant institutional and regulatory authorities. If successful, this AI tool could boost early detection of skin diseases, enhance disease tracking, and improve healthcare in underserved areas.

Risk Assessment of Community Spread of Multiple Endemic Infectious Diseases in a One Health Perspective

RACSMEI addresses the high burden of infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries, including Cambodia, where limited surveillance and laboratory capacity often obscure etiologies and transmission dynamics. This knowledge gap hinders the design of effective prevention and control strategies. RACSMEI will improve understanding across multiple pathogens using a multidisciplinary One Health approach. We will answer key questions on burden, ecology, transmission and population immune status to inform targeted and culturally appropriate interventions. The project combines a nationally representative One Health survey, social-science methods, and multiplex, diverse diagnostics to efficiently test for 57 priority pathogens, including zoonotic and vector-borne agents, vaccine-preventable and elimination-targeted diseases, enteric, respiratory, and environmentally transmitted pathogens and selected neglected tropical diseases and parasites relevant to Cambodia. Mathematical modelling will reconstruct and forecast transmission dynamics and assess the potential impact of future public-health strategies. By integrating intersectoral data and innovative methods, RACSMEI will generate actionable evidence for public-health authorities, support precision One Health interventions, and help reduce disease burden in affected communities. The project also aims to ensure the transferability of methods and insights to other countries facing similar challenges.

Better Options for Lymphatic Filariasis Treatment

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if mass drug administration with moxidectin in combination with diethylcarbamazine, and albendazole (MoxDA) can treat lymphatic filariasis, scabies and strongyloidiasis in children and adults living in communities where these diseases are common. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does MoxDA clear infection in people with lymphatic filariasis ? 2. Does MoxDA cause any medical problems in infected and uninfected people? Researchers will compare MoxDA with ivermectin given together with diethylcarbamazine and albendazole (IDA) to see if it works better to clear infection and does not cause any more medical problems. Participants will: 1. Be tested to see if they are infected with the parasites that cause lymphatic filariasis, scabies and strongyloidiasis 2. Take 3 single doses of MoxDA or IDA, 12 months apart 3. Visit their village centre once or twice in the 1 week after each treatment for safety checkups