Clinical Research Directory

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 In the final 6 months (Phase C), the app is withdrawn to assess whether FHWs retain their improved diagnostic skills.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.

Integrating Mental Health Into Neglected Tropical Disease Care in Ghana

Background Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of diseases that are more common among the poorest people in the poorest countries. People affected by these conditions often experience pain, changes in their physical appearance, stigma and discrimination. As a result, they are more likely to experience mental distress including depression and anxiety. It is important that people affected by these conditions are found early, so that they can start treatment to stop the progression of the condition and to support their mental wellbeing. The World Health Organisation recently developed guidance that explains more about including mental health awareness and care as part of the management of people who have these conditions. This is called the Essential Care Package for NTDs, Stigma and Mental Health Conditions. However, so far there has been limited research about 'what works' when providing this package to people who need it. Aim of the study Through this study, we aim to understand 'How can the health system in Ghana provide the essential care package for people affected by skin NTDs for large groups of the population (at scale)?; and how to do this in a way that means everyone can access it (that is fair) and that is effective (works well)?' Methods/ Design In order to do this, we will develop a Ghanaian version of the Essential Care Package and associated resources to support its implementation. We will do this by including people affected by NTDs to help us understand the needs and priorities from their perspective. Working together with researchers, health workers and those who make decisions about health, people affected will be supported to identify their priorities and to take part in developing what will be included in this Ghanaian ECP. This will happen by using creative forms of research that encourage people to participate and through the process, with workshops to include their opinions scheduled throughout. Once this has been developed the Government will then start to introduce the Ghanaian ECP in selected study districts. At the same time, we will monitor and evaluate what is happening to understand what parts work well? who they work best for? in what settings? and for how long? We will carry out different types of research to understand who has access to this new package of services? (how fair is it?), how well it works? How the health workers and health system take up and use the new ECP? How the new ECP is rolled out and introduced as part of the health system? And whether it can be maintained and continue beyond the end of the study? Discussion Through this study, we hope that people affected by NTDs and mental health conditions will be able to access and use quality health services when they need them; that communities will have a better understanding about NTDs and mental health conditions; and that government departments will work better together to provide care for NTDs and mental health conditions together.