INSPiRED – INclusive diagnoStics for Poverty RElated parasitic Diseases in Nigeria and Gabon

Parasitic diseases are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in rural Africa. Early treatment reduces the risk of severe sequelae, but this requires access to accurate diagnosis. The current WHO-recommended diagnostic tools for detection have critical shortfalls. With this proposal we aim to improve the diagnosis of three major poverty-related diseases (malaria, schistosomiasis and hookworm infection) and therefore reduce their grave impact in endemic countries. Our research has demonstrated that optical analysis of biological samples using automated smart algorithms integrated into a potentially low-cost multispectral optical imaging platform is a highly promising alternative diagnostic approach. This technique will be developed into instruments for blood, urine and stool analysis that cover the whole diagnostic pathway from integration of sample preparation procedures to optical reading steps (WP1). By critically engaging and connecting different stakeholders using Social Network Analysis and Co-creation tools, we will craft inclusive product specifications that promote uptake by local healthcare systems in endemic countries (WP2). New smart optical diagnostic devices will be thoroughly tested within a laboratory-setting, including samples from the LUMC’s Controlled Human Infection trials as well as field-tested in endemic settings in Gabon and Nigeria (WP3). The outcomes of the three work packages will be integrated into action towards implementation (WP4). The INSPiRED project brings together a multidisciplinary team composed of biomedical scientists, engineers, public health specialists and product designers - with the required expertise to perform the entire development chain, from R&D, to field trials in Nigeria and Gabon.