KUMASI, Ghana, January 30 – Today the African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD) announced the third cohort of the African Researchers’ Small Grants Program (SGP III). In total, thirteen researchers from seven countries were selected to receive grants that will support projects aimed at addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
“This year’s decision was no easy feat,” said John Amuasi, Executive Director of ARNTD. “We had the largest-ever pool of applicants, and from that group we selected the researchers who we believe will make the greatest impact on NTDs in their home countries.”
Following a call for proposals in August 2019, ARNTD received an unprecedented 516 applications for SGP III. The small grants program – launched in 2017 with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and expanded in 2019 with support from UK aid – has grown increasingly more competitive each year.
The small grants program is funded through the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD) through its grants from USAID and UK aid, via the Department for International Development (DFID). Grantees each receive up to $25,000 USD for one year to carry out research activities and support their laboratories, with an opportunity to present their findings at the annual COR-NTD meeting.
“We have been very impressed by the results that have come out of the program thus far,” said Dirk Mueller, Senior Health Advisor for DFID’s Health Research Team, “We know that these scientists will lead the charge to beat NTDs in their countries.”
The selected awardees and their projects are:
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Adam Abdul-Razak Ghana Factors Influencing Low Coverage of School Deworming Exercise in Two Districts in Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana: An Implementation Research Study |
Lucy Ochola Kenya A portable multiplexing electrochemical metalo-immunosensor array for detection of Schistosoma cercarial antigens in polluted waters |
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Lum Abienwi Ambe Cameroon Characterization of potential antigenic biomarkers for the diagnosis of human onchocerciasis in urine |
Victoria Akoth Ochwai Kenya Barriers to acceptance of Trachoma Trichiasis surgery among women in North Pokot Sub County in West Pokot |
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Kadu Meribo Burika Ethiopia Factors associated with community-directed treatment with Ivermectin non-compliance in Diediesa rural district of Ethiopia |
Masauso Moses Phiri Zambia Evaluation and validation of an RDT for the diagnosis of Schistosoma hematobium and mansoni in endemic regions in Zambia |
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Arnauld Efon-Ekangouo Cameroon Tripartite interactions of O. volvulus, black flies and indigenous bacteria: perspectives for the development of a strategic innovative alternative for onchocerciasis control |
Olabanji Ahmed Surakat Nigeria Improving accessibility and acceptability of preventive chemotherapy NTDs (PC-NTDs) for the control of Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic filariasis among physically disabled in hard to reach areas of two Local Governments in Osun State, Nigeria |
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Dieudonne Roland Ombede Eloundou Cameroon Schisto Score: Development of a Multivariable Prediction Model for the Diagnosis of Schistosoma haematobium infections in individuals living in hard-to-reach endemic areas around the Mapé dam, West-Cameroon |
Chigozie Jesse Uneke Nigeria Implementation & evaluation of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and WASH to strengthen the control of soil transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis among school children in a rural area of Ebonyi State Nigeria |
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Mewamba Mezajou Estelle Cameroon Dynamics of Schistosoma mansoni populations in children treated with Praziquantel and presenting different worms burdens: its implications for disease control |
Arthur Vengisai Zimbabwe Clinical utility of peptide micro-array diagnosis and surveillance of endemic and epidemic diseases in Zimbabwe |
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Alexander Kwarteng Ghana Stigma and Social Isolation Among People Living with Lymphatic Filariasis in Ghana through Culturally Appropriate Interventions |
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The African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD) is an Africa-based network that does not exclusively focus on a single NTD or theme and is composed of individuals from a variety of disciplines across health, social, and management sciences, including policymakers.
USAID is the world's premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID's work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience.
The Department for International Development (DFID) leads the UK’s work to end extreme poverty. DFID tackles the global challenges of our time including poverty and disease, mass migration, insecurity and conflict. This work is building a safer, healthier, more prosperous world for people in developing countries and in the UK too.
The Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD) includes researchers, program implementers, and their supporters with the shared goal of optimizing the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases. The COR-NTD secretariat is the Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center, a program at The Task Force for Global Health in Decatur, GA, USA.