List of Ongoing Projects
HEALCARE
Project Duration: 2021-2023 | Funder: Erasmus
Principal Investigator
About the Project
The project aiming in improving teaching to undergraduate nursing students on respectful and compassionate care to enhance ethics and customer care during provision of health care services which will ultimately improve quality of care.
Project Objectives
- Explore gaps existing in HL and RCC from the current BScN curriculum in Tanzania using Delphi method.
- Equip skills laboratory with necessary teaching equipment to strengthening learning environment
- Renovate the e-Learning room and furnish
- Train BSc. Nursing students, lecturers and clinical instructors on HL, RCC
- Dissemination of project deliverables
InfPrev4frica
Project Duration: Project Duration: (2023-2025) | Funder: European Union
Principal Investigator
About the Project
InfPrev4frica project aims to capacitate Nursing HEIs from SSA, to facilitate the development of nursing student’s competences in healthcare-associated infections prevention and control in response to the need to improve the quality of healthcare in this area, increasing its safety and effectiveness, one of the world-wide health priorities that gains special importance in this African region.
Project Objectives
- Design of the InfPrev4frica Model and Simulation Scenarios
- Dissemination and Exploitation by the development of the InfPrev4frica website, the InovSafeCare
- Training of academic staff and students HAIs
- Equip skills laboratory with necessary teaching equipment to facilitate learning
NORHED II
Project Duration: Project Duration: (2021-2026). | Funder: NORHED II
Principal Investigator
About the Project
The project aims to implement Simulation-Based Education (SBE) to strengthen capacity in Nursing and Midwifery Education to Postgraduate and Undergraduate students in Malawi and Tanzania.
Project Objectives
- Baseline Survey on simulation education: To identify key gaps in the nurse and midwifery education in Tanzania and Malawi.
- To create appropriate infrastructure and systems to ensure sustainable capacity on simulation based education and research: Renovation of existing infrastructure in skill laboratory.
- To improve competencies on simulation based education among nurses and midwifery lecturers and clinical instructors: Training on Simulation Based Education lecturers and Clinical instructors.
- To produce research in simulation based education
- To equip our skills lab with necessary facilities to facilitate learning
- Increase the number of trained staff in Masters level and PhD levels
Comparative cost-effectiveness evaluation of malaria vector-control tools designed for use at scale in areas of pyrethroid resistance.
Project Duration: (Feb 2024-Dec2024). | Funder: Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (The Global Fund)
Principal Investigator
Prof. Franklin Mosha
fwmosha@gmail.com
Professor Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology
About the Project
The project aims to build a stronger understanding in some additional areas that impact prioritization and operational decisions around vector control deployment
Project Objectives
The study will answer the following questions:
- Are there any interactions of concern (beyond the initial Benin trial) between pyrethroid- CFP ITNs and other types of ITNs or insecticides used in indoor residual spraying
- How does the entomological effectiveness effectiveness of pyrethroid-CFP ITNs and other ITNs change over their intended lifespan? Does application of IRS in households where older ITNs are used provided useful improvements in entomological protection
Efficacy of different formulations of insecticidal paints for control of malaria transmitted by pyrethroid-resistant vectors: from concept to implementation
Project Duration: (March 2024-Dec 2024). Funder: AGENCE FRANCAISE DE DEVELOPMENT
Principal Investigator
Prof. Franklin Mosha
fwmosha@gmail.com
Professor Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology
About the Project
The main aim of this phase 1 study is to test the efficacy and residual effect of four insecticide paint formulations (chlorfenapyr, pyriproxyfen, transfluthrin, propoxur, and pirimiphos-methyl) against laboratory reared pyrethroid-resistant malaria mosquito vectors. Depending on the insecticide properties, we will be assessing the efficacy of those formulations on longevity and efficacy for killing mosquitoes and effect growth regulators on mosquito fecundity.
Project Objectives
- To assess efficacy of four formulations of IP against colony resistant Anopheles in laboratory conditions for a year
- To assess the efficacy of the best two formulations (based on result from phase I) against free flying resistant Anopheles in semi field conditions over 12 months follow up.
- To assess perceived side-effects of IPs among artisans and sleepers in the experimental huts
PreVBD
Project Duration: (2020-2025). Funder: Danida
Principal Investigator
Prof. Reginald Kavishe
reginald.kavishe@kcmcu.ac.tz
Professor Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Director of Research Publications & Consultancy
About the Project
To investigate malaria and arboviral-vector distribution, abundance, and disease transmission across different socio-ecological strata and geospatial settings of Unguja and Tanga, Tanzania.
Project Objectives
- To determine spatial-temporal vector distribution in Unguja and Tanga
- To evaluate spatial-temporal infection of Anopheles and Aedes by Plasmodium species and arboviruses in Unguja and Tanga region.
- To determine spatial-temporal human exposure to Anopheles and Aedes bites (IgG to gSG6-P1 and N-term 34kDa, respectively) during the dry and rainy season in Unguja and Tanga region
- To assess spatial-temporal human exposure to pathogens (malaria and arboviral diseases)
RADIC
Project Duration: (2023-2026). Funder: Erasmus+
Principal Investigator
Sarah Mkenda
sarah.mkenda@kcmcu.ac.tz
Lecturer Department of Occupational Therapy
About the Project
The project aims to contribute towards increased capacity of higher education to support and scale digital transformation in Eastern Africa with the aim to ensure rehabilitation services for all.
Project Objectives
- To strengthen rehabilitation leadership, planning, and generation of evidence and information
- To increase the availability of rehabilitation services and expand financing
- To strengthen and expand the rehabilitation workforce
- To increase the access and provision to assistive products.
SABIOT
Project Duration: (2021-2023). Funder: EDCTP
Principal Investigator
Dr. Debora Kajeguka
debora.kajeguka@kcmcu.ac.tz
Senior Lecturer Department of Microbiology
Director of Continuing Professional Development
About the Project
Arboviruses, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, pose significant public health threats. The rising incidence of these diseases complicates diagnosis due to symptom similarities with other febrile illnesses, making timely intervention challenging. This research aims to assess the efficacy of a novel immune-epidemiological tool that measures human IgG responses to Aedes salivary proteins, potentially improving outbreak predictions and vector control assessments in northern Tanzania, ultimately enhancing public health responses against these arboviral diseases.
Project Objectives
This study aims to assess the use of Aedes aegypti salivary proteins as biomarkers to evaluate the risk of exposure to arboviral infections and the effectiveness of vector control strategies in Tanzania. The project will determine the proportion of participants exposed to Aedes salivary proteins who are symptomatic or asymptomatic for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. It will also investigate whether antibody responses against Aedes salivary proteins can indicate vector exposure and disease transmission risk. Also, the study will assess if these antibodies can measure the efficacy of Aedes mosquito control methods.
SCCOPET
Project Duration: (2022-2025). Funder: Danida
Principal Investigator
Prof. Reginald Kavishe
reginald.kavishe@kcmcu.ac.tz
Professor Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Director of Research Publications & Consultancy
About the Project
To investigate malaria and arboviral-vector distribution, abundance, and disease transmission across different socio-ecological strata and geospatial settings of Unguja and Tanga, Tanzania.
Project Objectives
- To train staff on SARS-COV-2 serology and whole genome sequencing and conduct a pilot serological and SARS-COV-2 variant survey in mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Ethiopia
- To identify gaps in the vaccine supply chain and logistics and assess the knock-on effects of COVID-19 on routine childhood immunization at selected health facilities in Tanzania mainland, Zanzibar, and Ethiopia
- To assess the level and experience of COVID-19 stress management and coping skills of FHCW and healthcare managers at JU, KCMUCo, and SUZA
ZARBONE
Project Duration: (2023-2024). Funder: TDR/WHO
Principal Investigator
Dr. Debora Kajeguka
debora.kajeguka@kcmcu.ac.tz
Senior Lecturer Department of Microbiology
Director of Continuing Professional Development
About the Project
Zoonotic arboviral infections significantly impact global health and economies, with over 60% of newly identified infectious diseases linked to animal populations. This study focuses on zoonotic arboviruses, aiming to establish baseline prevalence in humans and domestic animals. A cross-sectional design will be employed, utilizing ELISA and PCR. Mosquito larvae will be collected to assess breeding sites and feeding behavior, which is crucial for understanding transmission dynamics. Findings will enhance surveillance and inform public health strategies to mitigate future outbreaks of arboviral diseases in the region
Project Objectives
The project aims to investigate the risk factors associated with arboviral transmission in humans, focusing on various aspects of mosquito behavior. Specifically, it seeks to determine the feeding habits of mosquitoes on domestic animals and humans, and identify factors influencing mosquito vector behavior and abundance in northern Tanzania. Lastly, the project will assess available opportunities for mosquito vector control and strategies for managing arboviral diseases in both animals and humans within the region. This approach is essential for developing effective public health interventions and mitigating the impact of arboviral infections.
TransInf
Project Duration: (2023-2026). Funder: JPI
Principal Investigator
Dr. Godfrey Temba
gtemba@kcmcu.ac.tz
Lecturer Head Department of Immunology
About the Project
To examine and compare the immuno-metabolic and gut microbiome profiles between individuals with overweight/obesity and those with normal weight in a transitioning community in Tanzania, and to analyze the impact of a brief dietary intervention involving either a traditional diet or fermented banana beverage on these profiles as well as vaccine responses in individuals who are overweight or obese.
Project Objectives
- To compare the immune-metabolic profiles between normal-weight and overweight/obese adults including cytokine responses to pathogens, gene transcription, inflammatory and cardiometabolic proteome, and plasma metabolome.
- To investigate the influence of a short dietary intervention with a traditional plant-based diet or fermented banana beverage on the immune-metabolic profiles and vaccine responses in overweight/obese adults.
- To identify dietary components and food-related metabolites associated with these changes in immune and vaccine responses in people living with obesity.
- To determine the effect of diet on intestinal B-cell homeostasis and
TraPCAf
Project Duration: : (2022-2025). Funder: NIHR Global Health Research, UK
Principal Investigator
Prof. Declare Mushi
declare.mushi @kcmcu.ac.tz
Deputy Vice Chancellor – Planning, Finance & Administration (DVC-PFA)
About the Project
The project aims to describe and gain a better understanding of the current situation with PD in Africa. We plan to investigate the burden of PD, determine risk factors and explore phnotype and genotype. The study will measure response to drug treatment, including MP, and investigate diagnostic aids and assessments. We will design affordable multi-disciplinary management, training and capacity building for resource-poor settings with a lack of access to specialists, all the while with engagement and supporting African PwP and exploring their lived experience.
Project Objectives
- To determine the prevalence and risk factors for PD in Africa
- To improve the diagnosis of PD among healthcare providers
- To improve the management of PD
- To explore the lived experience of PwP, and their families, in Tanzania